Definition of "embattlement"

This villa was long and low and white, and severe after its manner : for upon and about it were none of those playful ebullitions of taste, such as conical towers, domed roofs, embattlements, statues, coloured tiles and crenellations, such as are dear to architects of villas all the world over.

1922, Michael Arlen, “3/6/1”, in “Piracy”: A Romantic Chronicle of These Days‎

Embattlements and towers may have formed part of the original structure […]

1970, Anthony Langham, Myrtle Ternstrom, Lundy

While that seems unlikely any time soon, such experiences of terror and embattlement have shaped the way Mr. Maliki governs.

2009 January 26, Alissa J. Rubin, “Iraq’s Leader Pushes for Election Gains, but Some Fear Iron Hand”, in New York Times‎