Sprechfenster

Speaking Window

Historically a speaking window is the small port in a door or gate which can be opened to speak to people who wish to enter. There is no such well defined equivalent in English, though"peep-hole" is a term known to be used as early as the 1600s for the same purpose, and various terms such as "speakeasy grille", "viewing door", and "viewing window" are in (relatively) modern use for these small panels.

15th Century

Entry incomplete

16th Century

Entry incomplete