motte-and-bailey castle
motte
ˈmɒt
mot
and
ən
ēn
bai
beɪ
bei
ley
li
li
ca
kɑ:
kaa
stle
səl
sēl

Definition & Meaning of "motte-and-bailey castle"in English

Motte-and-bailey castle
01

an old fortified castle that is surrounded by an outer wall and is located on a small hill 

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
motte-and-bailey castles

What is a "motte-and-bailey castle"?

A motte-and-bailey castle is a type of medieval castle with two main parts. The motte is a raised hill made of earth, often topped with a wooden or stone tower for defense. The bailey is the area next to the motte, enclosed by a fence or wall, where people lived and stored supplies. A ditch or trench often surrounds the bailey to provide extra protection. This design makes it easier to defend against attackers, as the tower on the motte gives a good view of the area. Motte-and-bailey castles were commonly built in the early Middle Ages and served as homes and strongholds for lords and their families.

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