Antemural

/ˌæntɪˈmjʊrəl/ adjective

Definition

Located or positioned before or in front of a wall, especially relating to fortifications or architectural structures that precede walls.

Etymology

From 'ante-' (before) + 'muralis' (relating to walls, from Latin 'murus' meaning wall). Used in military architecture and archaeology.

Kelly Says

Medieval castles had antemural walls—the outer defenses you'd hit *before* reaching the real fortress wall—creating deadly zones where attackers got trapped between two barriers.

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