Definition

1. Noun:

   • A partition, often constructed from planks, cloth, or other materials, used to control or direct the flow of air within a mine. It is typically a temporary or adjustable structure for ventilation purposes.

2. Verb:

   • To supply or fit a mine with a brattice; to use such a partition to ventilate a mine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The miners erected a wooden brattice to direct fresh air to the new tunnel.
  • A canvas brattice was hung to prevent dangerous gases from accumulating.

• Verb:

  • It was crucial to brattice the shaft properly to ensure adequate airflow.
  • The foreman instructed the crew to brattice the area before proceeding with the excavation.

Advanced Usage

• "to brattice off": This phrasal construction emphasizes the action of using a brattice to seal or separate a specific area for ventilation control.
  • They had to brattice off the old workings to improve air circulation in the main gallery.

Variants and Related Words

• Brattishing (n): In architecture, a decorative crest or parapet, often of openwork. (Note: This is a distinct, homographic term not directly related to mining).
• Brattice cloth (n): A specific type of heavy-duty fabric used to construct temporary brattices.

Synonyms

• Noun: Partition, baffle, screen, ventilation control.
• Verb: Partition off, screen off, ventilate (using a partition).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Brattice up: Similar to "brattice off," meaning to erect or install a brattice.
  • The team worked through the night to brattice up the compromised airway.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a partition (often temporary) of planks or cloth that is used to control ventilation in a mine

Verb

1. supply with a brattice, to ventilate mines