browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
portcullis |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Portcullis \Port*cul"lis\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Portcullised}; p. pr & vb n. {Portcullising}.] To obstruct with or as with a portcullis; to shut; to bar. [R.] --Shak. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Portcullis \Port*cul"lis\, n. [OF. porte coulisse, cole["i]ce, a sliding door, fr L. colare, colatum to filter, to strain: cf F. couler to glide. See {Port} a gate, and cf {Cullis}, {Colander}.] 1. (Fort.) A grating of iron or of timbers pointed with iron, hung over the gateway of a fortress, to be let down to prevent the entrance of an enemy. ``Let the portcullis fall.'' --Sir W. Scott. She . . . the huge portcullis high updrew. --Milton. 2. An English coin of the reign of Elizabeth, struck for the use of the East India Company; -- so called from its bearing the figure of a portcullis on the reverse. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: portcullis n : an iron or wooden grating that hangs in the entry to a castle or fortified town; can be lowered to prevent passage
more about portcullis
This work is licensed under a
