portcullis

noun

port·cul·lis | \ pȯrt-ˈkə-ləs

\

Definition of portcullis

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

Examples of portcullis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The front door is often guarded with a metal portcullis. — Ruth Bloomfield, WSJ, "European Castles: Easier to Buy Than You Might Think," 31 Aug. 2017

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.

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portcullis money

port differential

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Time Traveler for portcullis

The first known use of portcullis was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for portcullis

portcullis

noun

English Language Learners Definition of portcullis

: a heavy iron gate that can be raised or lowered at the entrance to a castle

See the full definition for portcullis in the English Language Learners Dictionary

portcullis

noun

port·cul·lis | \ pȯrt-ˈkə-ləs

\

Kids Definition of portcullis

: a heavy iron gate that can be lowered to prevent entrance (as to a castle)

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