Main Entry:

for·tress

Pronunciation:

\ˈfȯr-trəs\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English forteresse, from Anglo-French fortelesce, forteresse, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong

Date:

14th century

: a fortified place : stronghold ; especially : a large and permanent fortification sometimes including a town

— for·tress·like \-līk\ adjective