Illustration of portcullis
portcullis
noun
port·cul·lis pȯrt-ˈkə-ləs 
: a grating of iron hung over the gateway of a fortified place and lowered between grooves to prevent passage
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The prior owner went all out on building a Medieval-style castle, with a moat, a drawbridge and a portcullis. 
Katherine Clarke, WSJ, 3 Mar. 2022 Medieval amenities include a moat, two watchtowers and two gates, a drawbridge, an underground cave (complete with a Jacuzzi!), trap doors, and a genuine portcullis (a metal-and-wood gate typically seen in medieval fortresses). Mary Elizabeth Andriotis, House Beautiful, 20 Jan. 2022 Then Iraq’s new rulers lowered a paper portcullis, demanding fees and the completion of myriad forms. The Economist, 10 Apr. 2021 Pass beneath an imposing portcullis into Edinburgh Castle, home to the National War Museum and the 12th-century St. Margaret’s Chapel—believed to be the oldest building in Edinburgh. National Geographic, 12 June 2019 The front door is often guarded with a metal portcullis. Ruth Bloomfield, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2017
Katherine Clarke, WSJ, 3 Mar. 2022 Medieval amenities include a moat, two watchtowers and two gates, a drawbridge, an underground cave (complete with a Jacuzzi!), trap doors, and a genuine portcullis (a metal-and-wood gate typically seen in medieval fortresses). Mary Elizabeth Andriotis, House Beautiful, 20 Jan. 2022 Then Iraq’s new rulers lowered a paper portcullis, demanding fees and the completion of myriad forms. The Economist, 10 Apr. 2021 Pass beneath an imposing portcullis into Edinburgh Castle, home to the National War Museum and the 12th-century St. Margaret’s Chapel—believed to be the oldest building in Edinburgh. National Geographic, 12 June 2019 The front door is often guarded with a metal portcullis. Ruth Bloomfield, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2017 Word History
Etymology
Middle English port colice, from Anglo-French porte coliz, literally, sliding door
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
portcullis
noun
port·cul·lis pȯrt-ˈkə-ləs
: a heavy iron gate that can be lowered to prevent entrance (as to a castle)
portcullis
noun
as in trapdoor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- trapdoor
- postern
- lattice
- double door
- revolving door
- wicket
- storm door
- portal
- hatch
- French door
- gate
- Dutch door
- door