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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Recent Examples of portcullis from the Web
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The front door is often guarded with a metal portcullis.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'portcullis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of portcullis
Origin and Etymology of portcullis
Middle English port colice, from Anglo-French porte coliz, literally, sliding door
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First Known Use: 14th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearPORTCULLIS Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of portcullis for English Language Learners
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: a heavy iron gate that can be raised or lowered at the entrance to a castle
PORTCULLIS Defined for Kids
Definition of portcullis for Students
: a heavy iron gate that can be lowered to prevent entrance (as to a castle)
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