An old term for an outlet or watercourse, particularly one draining water from a moat, pond, or fortified structure.
From Middle English and Old French origins, possibly related to Old French 'esliver' meaning to overflow or flow out, describing the function of water drainage in medieval fortifications.
Medieval castle builders obsessed over elvets because poor water drainage could literally rot the fortress from the inside and breed disease in the garrison—so these drainage channels were serious engineering concerns.
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