mach

{ ‖‖ } n. [ NL., fr. Gr. ma`chaira dagger + 'odoy`s tooth. ] (Paleon.) A genus of extinct mammals allied to the cats, and having in the upper jaw canine teeth of remarkable size and strength; -- hence called saber-toothed tigers. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ Sp. ] A large heavy knife resembling a broadsword, often two or three feet in length, -- used by the inhabitants of Spanish America as a hatchet to cut their way through thickets, and for various other purposes. J. Stevens.
Syn. -- matchet. [ 1913 Webster ]

, n. One who adopts the principles of Machiavelli; a cunning and unprincipled politician. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ From Machiavel (also called Machiavelli), an Italian writer, secretary and historiographer to the republic of Florence. ] Of or pertaining to Machiavelli, or to his supposed principles for conduct of government, as enunciated in his tract The Prince; politically cunning; characterized by duplicity, political expediency, unscrupulous cunning, or bad faith; crafty. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

{ } n. [ Cf. F. machiavélisme; It. machiavellismo. ] The supposed principles of Machiavelli, or practice in conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor arbitrary power. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ LL. machicolatus, p. p. of machicolare, machicollare. See Machicolation. ] Having machicolations. “Machicolated turrets.” C. Kingsley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. LL. machicolamentum, machacolladura, F. mâchicolis, mâchecoulis; perh. fr. F. mèche match, combustible matter + OF. coulis, couleis, flowing, fr. OF. & F. couler to flow. Cf. Match for making fire, and Cullis. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Mil. Arch.) An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, for shooting or dropping missiles upon assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the construction of such defenses, in general, when of this character. See Illusts. of Battlement and Castle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of discharging missiles or pouring burning or melted substances upon assailants through such apertures. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ F. mâchicoulis. ] (Mil. Arch.) Same as Machicolation. [ 1913 Webster ]