Portcullis

[pɔːt'kʌlɪs] or [pɔrt'kʌlɪs]

Definition

(noun.) gate consisting of an iron or wooden grating that hangs in the entry to a castle or fortified town; can be lowered to prevent passage.

Edited by Benson--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A grating of iron or of timbers pointed with iron, hung over the gateway of a fortress, to be let down to prevent the entrance of an enemy.

(n.) An English coin of the reign of Elizabeth, struck for the use of the East India Company; -- so called from its bearing the figure of a portcullis on the reverse.

(v. t.) To obstruct with, or as with, a portcullis; to shut; to bar.

Typed by Humphrey

Definition

n. a sliding door of cross timbers pointed with iron hung over a gateway so as to be let down in a moment to keep out an enemy: (her.) a lattice: one of the pursuivants of the English College of Heralds: an Elizabethan coin bearing a portcullis on the reverse.—v.t. to obstruct as with a portcullis.

Typist: Richard