ProZ.com global directory of translation services
 The translation workplace
Ideas
KudoZ home » Italian to English » Military / Defense

difesa piombante

English translation: machicolation-based defence (defense)


Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs
(or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.
GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Italian term or phrase:difesa piombante
English translation:machicolation-based defence (defense)
Entered by: Francesco D'Arcangeli
Options:
- Contribute to this entry
- Include in personal glossary

15:44 Nov 21, 2010
Italian to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Military / Defense / Fortifications
Italian term or phrase: difesa piombante
Si tratta di un tipo di architettura di rocche e castelli nel medioevo e rinascimento:
"Nonostante la polvere da sparo e le armi da fuoco siano state inventate molto tempo prima, solo lo sviluppo di artiglierie mobili per porre sotto assedio una città, avvenuto nel secolo XV, mette in crisi le tradizionali fortificazioni basate sulla difesa detta piombante (mura verticali sottili con coronamento sporgente da cui fa cadere sull'assediante proiettili inerti e liquidi infiammati). Più una muraglia è alta più è difficile scalarla, ma il limitato spessore la rende vulnerabile sotto i colpi dell’artiglieria."
Francesco D'Arcangeli
Local time: 06:51
machicolation-based defence (defense)
Explanation:
http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castleso.htm
Selected response from:

Gad Kohenov
Local time: 07:51
Grading comment
Thanks!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +1plunging defence
Pierluigi Bernardini
4defensive use of machicolations
fionn
3machicolation-based defence (defense)
Gad Kohenov


  

Answers


2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +1
plunging defence


Explanation:
-

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2 hrs (2010-11-21 18:11:22 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

a system which may include holes known as "machicolations" or "murder holes" located on the walls...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder-hole

Pierluigi Bernardini
Italy
Local time: 06:51
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Simo Blom
17 hrs
  -> thanks Simo
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
defensive use of machicolations


Explanation:
I have read several descriptions of castle defences and there does not appear to be an exact term for the style of defence known as 'piombante'. However all refer to the use of machicolations - called piombatoia in Italian, and described in your text in parentheses) - to drop objects on the enemy, so I think the best solution is to incorporate this into the sentence

http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piombatoia
http://www.castles.me.uk/machicolations.htm

Example sentence(s):
  • Machicolations are projecting parapets or platforms situated at the top of a castle wall... Machicolations had holes in the floor for dropping various missiles on the enemy.

    Reference: http://www.angelfire.com/wy/svenskildbiter/madict.html#Machi...
    Reference: http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castleso.htm
fionn
Mexico
Local time: 23:51
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

6 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
machicolation-based defence (defense)


Explanation:
http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castleso.htm

Gad Kohenov
Local time: 07:51
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in FrenchFrench, Native in HebrewHebrew
PRO pts in category: 40
Grading comment
Thanks!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)




Return to KudoZ list


KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.



See also: