English

Noun

1. A fortification outside a castle used to split an attacking force; composed of two faces, forming a salient angle whose gorge resembles a half-moon

A ravelin is a triangular fortification or detached outwork in front of the bastions of a fortress. Originally called a demi-lune, after lunette, the ravelin is placed outside a castle opposite a fortification curtain. The edges of the ravelin are placed so that the guns there can sweep fire upon the troops that have to run along the fortification curtain. The wall facing the castle/fort is low and the angles of the others such that the ravelin provides no shelter to attacking forces if taken or abandoned by defenders.

See also

• List of established military terms