murder holes

Noun

murder hole (plural murder holes)

1. (historical) A slit or hole above the entrance to a fortification, thought to provide access for defenders to kill invaders.
   • The ground floor entrance, a gothic doorway, is in the east wall and gives access to a small vestibule with a murder hole. The stairs on the left leads up to a short landing, over which is a second smaller murder hole.1997, John Kirwan, Kilkenny: studies in honour of Margaret M. Phelan, page 41
2. (historical, rare) A chamber above the entrance to a fortification where defenders hide and shoot at invaders trapped in the entryway below.
   • On the first floor, over the gate passage and tower rooms, was a massive hall, well-appointed despite its having to accommodate the inner portcullis and murder hole, the slots for which may still be seen in the floor.1992, Sian E. Rees, A Guide to Ancient and Historic Wales: Dyfed, →ISBN, page 160

See all 3 meanings of murder hole