loophole

[Eng. loop (1), s., and hole.] I. Ordinary Language: 1. Literally: (1) In the same sense as II. Loopers. Butterfly and Caterpillar of Abraxas gro ular i at a, the Magpie-moth (q.v.). "The very eyes of men through loopholes thrust, Gazing upon the Greeks with little lust. Shakesp.: Rape of Lucrece, 1,383. (2) Any hole or aperture allowing pa age or escape. "Shedding through paly loopholes mild and small, Gleams that upon the lake's still bosom fall." Words worth: Evening Walk . 2. Fig .: A means of escape or evasion; a shift, an evasion. II. Fort.: An aperture or slit in a stockade or other defense, whence musketry may be fired at a ailants; machicolation, embattlement, embrasure, crenelle.