Casemate

Origin

French casemate, from Italian casamatta, probably from casa house + matto, from matta, mad, weak, feeble, diminutive from the same source as English mate in checkmate.

Full definition of casemate

Noun

1. 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.
2. A hollow molding, chiefly in cornices.