/meuh chik'euh lay"sheuhn/ , n. Archit.
1. an opening in the floor between the corbels of a projecting gallery or parapet, as on a wall or in the vault of a passage, through which missiles, molten lead, etc., might be cast upon an enemy beneath.
2. a projecting gallery or parapet with such openings.
[ 1780-90; MACHICOLATE + -ION ]