Orillons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A semicircular section or part of a fortification used to allow defensive fire from two sides
2. A small, rounded projection on a building or wall that serves a functional or decorative purpose
3. Referring to a type of wing-like structure in architecture that aids in defense or provides aesthetic appeal

Etymology: "Orillons" is the plural of "orillon," a term from fortification for the rounded projection that bulges out from the top of a bastion or earthwork wall. The name comes from French, where "orillon" literally means "little ear," a picture of the small rounded lump it describes. French "orillon" derives from "oreille," the ordinary word for "ear," which in turn goes back to Latin "oricula" or "auricula," a diminutive of "auris," meaning "ear." The same Latin root gives English "auricle," the outer part of the ear, so the fortress feature and the human body part share an ancestor.