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portcullis

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portcullis

Main Entry:: port·cul·lis
Pronunciation:: \pȯrt-ˈkə-ləs\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English port colice, from Anglo-French porte coliz, literally, sliding door
Date:: 14th century

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

[portcullis illustration]

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