glacis
warfare
Quick Summary
European fortress
Profile of the European fortress wall from the 16th century.
A glacis is a gentle slope or incline. In the context of fortifications, it specifically refers to a slope that runs downward from the structure. This design element served as a defensive measure. The term can also refer to a buffer state or zone.1
Historically, a glacis plate was a type of sloping armor plate used on naval vessels, often found around hatches or turrets. The word "glacis" originates from the French word for freezing or sliding, first used in English in 1672.21
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