Castle Terms - A

ABUTMENT: solid masonry placed to counteract the lateral thrust of a bridge, arch, or vault.

ADULTERINE: an unlicensed castle.

ALLURE: wall walk along the top of a curtain.

ANGLE-SPUR: buttress rising at the angle of a square tower to support a round superstructure.

APSE: semi-circular projection. Tower that is round fronted or u-shaped.

ARBALEST: crossbow.

ARBALESTIER: crossbow-man. Arbalist.

ARCADE: a range of arches.

ARCH: the head of an opening.

ARMOURY: a weapons storage room.

ARROW SLIT: narrow slit in castle walls for firing arrows.

ASHLAR: building stone neatly trimmed to shape. Stone with cut flat surface.

ATILLIATOR: skilled castle worker who made crossbows.

ATTAINDER: forfeiture of hereditary honours and dignities following a conviction for treason.

AUMBRY: a mural cupboard for storing valuables.