bretache

plural bretaches

1. alternativeAlternative form of brattice (“structure for attack or defence”).

   In 1213 there is an entry , in the Pipe Rolls , of £ 5 paid for a bretache for the Castle of Chirk. This proves that it was still a Crown castle.

   1912, Margaret Mahler, A History of Chirk Castle and Chirkland: With a Chapter on Offa's Dyke, page 28

   5 more examples

   […] St. George on the wall, in the entry of the hall, with two leaden windows; to wainscote the chamber in which Guy de Lezinan our brother lay; and to rebuild the two rotten bretaches in the same castle and cover them with lead.

   1851, Thomas Hudson Turner, Some Account of Domestic Architecture in England, page 247

   A primitive Bretesque or Bretache was generally something salient or projecting. It has been described in some glossaries as a vantage point from which proclamations might be addressed to the citizens; also as a wooden defence […] But whatever be the form or purpose a bretache, the generic idea is wood. This is evident when it occurs in the mandates issued by Henry III. to his architects. At Southampton for instance two bretaches are to be rebuilt […]

   1859, Henry Bull (of Devizes.), A history military and municipal of the ancient borough of Devizes [by H. Bull]., page 64

   A bretache is mentioned in a Survey of 1314, but the present corbels overhanging the gateway, and upon which the timber work rested, appear to be of the age of Richard II., and probably date from 1386.

   1884, George Thomas Clark, Mediæval Military Architecture in England, page 177

   In 1239, Paulin Peyvere and Thomas de Newere, the Keepers of the temporalities of the Bishoprick of Winchester (custodes episcopatus Wintonia) are ordered to make in the Castle a drawbridge, with a bretache (cum unâ bretasch) ...

   1899, Melville Portal, The Great Hall, Winchester Castle ..., page 14

   […] the timber necessary for repairing those defects, as the king is informed that there are several defects in the castle, as in bretaches, buildings, bridges, engines and other garniture, which are in great need of repair.

   1905, Great Britain, Calendar of the Close Rolls ...: Preserved in the Public Record Office, Public Record Office, page 125