BARBICAN

barbican, barbacan

(noun) a tower that is part of a defensive structure (such as a castle)

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

barbican (plural barbicans)

A tower at the entrance to a castle or fortified town

A fortress at the end of a bridge.

An opening in the wall of a fortress through which the guns are levelled; a narrow loophole through which arrows and other missiles may be shot.

A temporary wooden tower built for defensive purposes.

Synonyms

• (entryway fortification): see guardhouse

Source: Wiktionary


Bar"bi*can, Bar"ba*can, n. Etym: [OE. barbican, barbecan, F. barbacane, LL. barbacana, barbicana, of uncertain origin: cf. Ar. barbakh aqueduct, sewer. F. barbacane also means, an opening to let out water, loophole.]

1. ( Fort.) A tower or advanced work defending the entrance to a castle or city, as at a gate or bridge. It was often large and strong, having a ditch and drawbridge of its own.

2. An opening in the wall of a fortress, through which missiles were discharged upon an enemy.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

6 June 2025

PUNGENCY

(noun) wit having a sharp and caustic quality; “he commented with typical pungency”; “the bite of satire”


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