横よこ堀ぼり

noun

horizontal moat; horizontal trench

A moat or trench dug horizontally, often in the context of Japanese castle fortifications. Contrasts with 竪堀 (たてぼり), a vertical trench.

See also: 竪堀

• 城しろの周しゅう囲いには横よこ堀ぼりが巡めぐらされていた。

  A horizontal moat was dug around the castle.

• 横よこ堀ぼりと竪たて堀ぼりを組くみ合あわせて防ぼう御ぎょを固かためた。

  They strengthened the defenses by combining horizontal and vertical trenches.