1. a fortified enclosure or defensive wall surrounding a house or settlement, especially in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries
Usage: historical; chiefly Irish

Examples

• The Anglo-Irish settlers built a bawn around their manor house for protection.
• Archaeological excavations revealed the remains of a bawn dating back to the 1600s.
• The bawn's stone walls provided defense against raids in the Irish countryside.
• Many bawns were constructed with corner towers to improve visibility and defense.
• The family retreated inside the bawn when danger approached.