Postern
[pәustәn]
Definition
(n.) Originally, a back door or gate; a private entrance; hence, any small door or gate.
(n.) A subterraneous passage communicating between the parade and the main ditch, or between the ditches and the interior of the outworks.
(a.) Back; being behind; private.
Editor: Tamara
Definition
n. a back door or gate: a small private door: (fort.) a covered passage between the main ditch and the outworks of a fort usually closed by a gate.—adj. back: private.
Checker: Mollie
Examples
- Follow me through this passage, then, that I may dismiss thee by the postern. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- His warning voice was unheard, for the din which the knight himself occasioned by his strokes upon the postern would have drowned twenty war-trumpets. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- Undo the postern gate, and let out the Jew and me. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- I say, undo the postern--thou shalt know more anon. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- The postern gate shakes, continued Rebecca; it crashes--it is splintered by his blows--they rush in--the outwork is won--Oh, God! Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- De Bracy hastily drew his men together, and rushed down to the postern-gate, which he caused instantly to be thrown open. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- In the outwork was a sallyport corresponding to the postern of the castle, and the whole was surrounded by a strong palisade. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a menial, who announced that a monk demanded admittance at the postern gate. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
Checked by Abby