Case"mate (?), n. [F.
casemate, fr. It. casamatta, prob. from casa
house + matto, f. matta, mad, weak, feeble, dim.
from the same source as E. -mate in checkmate.]
1. (Fort.) 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. (Arch.) A hollow molding,
chiefly in cornices.