Battlement (Fr. bâtiment, 'building'), a notched or indented parapet formed by a series of rising parts called cops or merlons, separated by embrasures or openings called crenelles. Battlements were intended to enable the soldier to shelter himself behind the merlon, whilst he shot through the embrasure. Originally military, they became freely used for architectural effect in other buildings. In churches, the battlements are frequently pierced with circles or trefoils.