glacis

glacis Definition

gla·cis (glā′sis, glas′is)

noun pl. glacis -·cis′ (-sēz′) or glacises -·cises (-sis iz)

a gradual slope
an embankment sloping gradually up to a fortification, so as to expose attackers to defending gunfire

Etymology: Fr < OFr glacier, to slip < glace, ice < VL glacia: see glacier

glacis Usage Examples

Converse of object

reach: Move left across to the flake to gain a good crack directly below the hanging arete, climb the crack to reach a glacis.

Modifies a noun

rampart: In southern and eastern England, where glacis ramparts are most common, they tend to supersede revetments during later phases of construction.

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