POSTERN

postern

(noun) a small gate in the rear of a fort or castle

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Noun

postern (plural posterns)

A back gate, back door, side entrance, or other gateway distinct from the main entrance.

(archaic) By extension, a separate or hidden way in or out of a place, situation etc.

(historical, military) A subterranean passage communicating between the parade and the main ditch, or between the ditches and the interior of the outworks.

Adjective

postern (comparative more postern, superlative most postern)

Situated at the rear; posterior.

Anagrams

• Preston, reptons

Source: Wiktionary

---

Pos"tern, n. Etym: [OF. posterne, posterle, F. poterne, fr. L. posterula, fr. posterus coming after. See Posterior.]

1. Originally, a back door or gate; a private entrance; hence, any small door or gate. He by a privy postern took his flight. Spenser. Out at the postern, by the abbey wall. Shak.

2. (Fort.)

Definition: A subterraneous passage communicating between the parade and the main ditch, or between the ditches and the interior of the outworks. Mahan.

Pos"tern, a.

Definition: Back; being behind; private. "The postern door." Dryden.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---