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{%type%} Definitions

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Short "hint"

A heavy iron grill that can be lowered to prevent entrance (as to a castle).

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Usage examples (38)
  • The guard opened the portcullis so that the brigade could ride to the castle.
  • Behind the portcullis was a thick oaken door studded with steel.
  • The gateway had what is called a portcullis; that is, a heavy iron gate suspended by chains, so as to rise and fall.
  • And when we approached Fort Henry I fully expected to see some grand, imposing structure with "battled towers," "donjon keep," "portcullis,"
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