portcullis

noun port·cul·lis \pȯrt-ˈkə-ləs\

: a heavy iron gate that can be raised or lowered at the entrance to a castle

Full Definition of PORTCULLIS

: a grating of iron hung over the gateway of a fortified place and lowered between grooves to prevent passage

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Middle English port colice, from Anglo-French porte coliz, literally, sliding door

First Known Use: 14th century

PORTCULLIS Defined for Kids

noun port·cul·lis \pȯrt-ˈkə-ləs\

: a heavy iron gate that can be lowered to prevent entrance (as to a castle)

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