noun
- plural of portcullis; heavy iron or wooden grating that can be lowered to block a gateway, especially in medieval castles
Usage: historical; architecture
Examples
- The castle had multiple portcullises to defend against invaders.
- Medieval fortresses often featured portcullises at their main entrances.
- The tour guide explained how the portcullises were operated by chains and pulleys.
- Enemy soldiers found their retreat blocked by the lowered portcullises.
- The restoration project included repairing the ancient portcullises.
- Guards would quickly drop the portcullises during an attack.