European Architecture: Castle Terminology
Abacus - the top of a capital that is flat
Aisle - between the outer wall and the arcade there is a space, that is the aisle
Allure - on the top of a castle wall there is a walkway, that is the allure
Arcade - these are free-standing rows of arches. They are supported on columns
Ashlar - blocks of smooth stone that are neatly trimmed, they are square-shaped
Bailey - these are the courtyards on the inside of castle walls, they include several living areas and some recreation areas
Balusters - columns that are small
Bar holes - the holes in which the door-bolt is placed, usually the bolt is constructed with timber
Batter - the portion of the curtain wall that is sloped. There is a rather sharp angle at the base of each wall within a tower positioned along the exterior surface
Bivalate - two concentric ditches designed for defense, these are situated within hillforts
Capital - the upper end of a column, treated in a distinct fashion
Casemates - emplacements for an artillery, these are in separate and always-protected rooms
Chamfer - the smoothing off of an angle in between two stone faces at the surface
Chancel - a space that surrounds a church altar within the castle
Chevron - molding that incorporates a zig-zag pattern
Daub - mud comprised of a clay mixture, this is used to strengthen and seal the wattle
Donjon - a massive tower, also known as a keep
Dressing - the stonework around openings that is carved
Embattled - crenelated and battlemented
Enceinte - the fortified enclosed area of a castle
Fascine - brushwood in a massive bundle, used to fill in ditches or revetting ramparts
Finial - a slim section of stone that is utilized as decoration on the top of a merlon
Footing - the bottom section of a wall
Freestone - limestone or sandstone of the highest quality
Fresco - a wet plaster wall that has been painted
Garderobe - a small toilet set into the thickness of the castle wall, it may also project outward from the wall
Great chamber - the bed-sitting room of the Lord
Hall - a major room or building within the castle complex
Hillfort - iron age or bronze earthwork, used as a defense of concentric ditches and banks
Hornwork - a quadrilateral, freestanding fortification in the forefront of the main wall
Impost - a wall bracket designed to support the arch
Inner Curtain - a high wall which surrounds the inner ward
Jamb - these are the side posts of a window, an arch, or a door within the castle
Keep - an incredibly strong tower made of sturdy stone, this is often the main tower in a castle
Lancet - a narrow and long window with a head that is pointed
Mantlet - the detached fortification which prevents direct access to a castle's gateway
Mullion - windows that are vertically divided
Nailhead - a pyramid-shaped molding
Offset - a ledge that marks the narrowing thickness of a castle wall
Palisade - an extremely sturdy fence made of wood, it is meant to enclose a wall temporarily, eventually a permanent stone wall will be constructed
Quadrangle - the inner courtyard
Rampart - stone or earth wall constructed of defensive stone that surrounds a castle
Refectory - a communal hall meant for dining
Respond - a half-pier that is bonded into a wall. It typically carries an arch.
Salient - an arrowhead or a wall projection
Scarp - a slope within the inner part of a ditch
Tau cross - a plain T cross encompassing equal limbs
Wall-walk - a passage that is situated along the castle wall
Weathering - a surface that is sloped, created to disperse rainwater
Yett - A gate made from iron lattice