What does glacis mean?
Definitions for glacis
ˈgleɪ sɪs, ˈglæs ɪs; ˈgleɪ siz, -sɪz, ˈglæs iz, -ɪzglacis
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word glacis.
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Wiktionary
glacisnoun
A gentle incline in front of a fortification.
glacisnoun
The angled armour plate on the front of a tank; glacis plate.
glacisnoun
A device for sorting mail which slides parcels across a sloped surface.
Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
GLACISnoun
In fortification, a sloping bank. It is more especially taken for that which rangeth from the parapet of the covered way to the level on the side of the field. John Harris
Etymology: French.
Wikipedia
Glacis
A glacis (; French: [ɡlasi]) in military engineering is an artificial slope as part of a medieval castle or in early modern fortresses. They may be constructed of earth as a temporary structure or of stone in more permanent structure. More generally, a glacis is any slope, natural or artificial, which fulfils the above requirements. The etymology of this French word suggests a slope made dangerous with ice, hence the relationship with glacier. A glacis plate is the sloped front-most section of the hull of a tank or other armoured fighting vehicle.
Webster Dictionary
Glacisnoun
a gentle slope, or a smooth, gently sloping bank; especially (Fort.), that slope of earth which inclines from the covered way toward the exterior ground or country (see Illust. of Ravelin)
Etymology: [F. glacis; -- so named from its smoothness. See Glacier.]
Wikidata
Glacis
A glacis in military engineering is an artificial slope of earth used in late European fortresses so constructed as to keep any potential assailant under the fire of the defenders until the last possible moment. On natural, level ground, troops attacking any high work have a degree of shelter from its fire when close up to it; the glacis consists of a slope with a low grade inclined towards the top of the wall. This gave defenders a direct line of sight into the assaulting force, allowing them to efficiently sweep the field with fire from the parapet. Additionally, but secondarily, the bank of earth would shield the walls from being hit directly by cannon fire. Though defenders on a high ground already have a direct line of sight, a glacis allows defenders to sweep the field more efficiently by minimizing changes to the angle of their guns while firing. Furthermore, the glacis prevents attacking cannons from having a clear shot at the walls of a fortress, as one usually cannot even see the walls until the glacis is crossed and the ditch, bounded on either side by the smooth, masoned scarp and counterscarp, is reached. More generally, the term glacis can denote any slope, natural or artificial, which fulfils the above requirements. The etymology of this French word suggests a slope made dangerous with ice, hence the relationship with glacier.
Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
Glacis
glā′sis, or gla-sē′, n. a gentle slope: (fort.) a smooth sloping bank. [Fr.,—O. Fr. glacer, to freeze—glace, ice.]
Dictionary of Nautical Terms
glacis
In fortification, that smooth earthen slope outside the ditch which descends to the country, affording a secure parapet to the covered way, and exposing always a convenient surface to the fire of the place.
Military Dictionary and Gazetteer
glacis
A slope of earth, usually turfed, which inclines from the covered way towards the country. Its object is to bring assailants, as they approach, into a conspicuous line of fire from the parapet of the fortress, and also to mask the general works of the place.
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of glacis in Chaldean Numerology is: 5
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of glacis in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6
References
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"glacis." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 7 May 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/glacis>.
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