casemate

Meaning

Noun

• A bombproof chamber, usually of masonry, in which cannon may be placed, to be fired through embrasures; or one capable of being used as a magazine, or for quartering troops.
• A hollow molding, chiefly in cornices.

Origin

• From French casemate, from Italian casamatta, probably from casa + matto, from matta, diminutive from the same source as English mate in checkmate.