A narrow covered trench or communication passage in military fortifications, used to move troops safely between positions.
From French boyau (literally 'intestine' or 'gut'), referring to the narrow, winding nature of these trenches. The metaphorical term describes how troops and supplies move through fortifications like nutrients through a body.
Boyaus were so crucial to siege warfare that entire battles were won or lost based on who controlled these hidden tunnels—they were essentially the medieval internet of military communication.
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