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DictionaryportcullisCastle gate
noun

portcullis

port-KUL-is/pɔːrtˈkʌlɪs/

A heavy barred gate raised and lowered to defend a castle entrance.

The heavy lattice portcullis hangs partly lowered within the castle entrance's vertical grooves.

Medieval castle entrance with heavy iron lattice portcullis partly lowered in vertical grooves, defensive gate.
Etymology
portLatingate
+cullisLatinto filter, strain

The gate element combines with a descendant of 'filter, strain' that meant 'sliding, flowing.' Together they named a 'sliding gate': the heavy grating lowered across a fortified entrance.

In context

Ancient Architects7:39
these would have housed wooden rollers which lowered each portcullis into place with the use of ropes
Ancient Technology: Great Pyramid Portcullis Antechamber EXPLAINED | Ancient Architects

More examples

  • Visitors pass beneath the raised portcullis into the courtyard.
  • Deep grooves guide the portcullis as it rises and falls.
  • Both castle entrances have iron portcullises.

Forms

portcullis · portcullises

Similar words

gate
A general entrance barrier, not necessarily barred or vertically sliding.
grating
A framework of bars, not necessarily a movable defensive gate.