Meaning of portculli | Babel Free

Definitions

Noun. [B2]

Examples

“The portcullis, which was intended for closing purposes, is described as a flat stone “found sticking up,” which “had never been let⟳ down.”[…]The Ante-chamber, or Anti-closet of Mr. Greaves, is fitted on each side with four groves for the reception of portculli or flat stones, to be let⟳ down to block⟳ up the way to the King’s Room from the Gallery.[…]A boss has been noticed upon this leaf or portcullis. Each groove has a semi-circular top. A French authority makes the whole side to be 9 feet 10 inches long; the width of the groove filled by the portcullis is about 20 inches. Three portculli were thus provided for.”

“The portcullis is also guarded.[…]The drawbridges of San Luis and San Felipe, and the postern below the fasse of La Reina at the entrance of the Plaza de Armas give⟳ passage to the exterior covert-way in which are entrances guarded by simple portculli; there is another opening upon the northern coast in the ditch of Santiago, defended by a drum opening into that of San Antonio. The galleries open⟳ into camp, facing the line of fortifications, and are guarded by iron⟳ portculli.”

“• Gates, drawbridges, and portculli. The portcullis was a thick and heavy but movable grating that was lowered to block⟳ an entrance. They were used in combination with gates and drawbridges to hinder direct⟳ assaults against the castle’s main entrances; • All the winches and other machinery required to raise⟳ and lower or open⟳ and close⟳ the gates, drawbridges, and portculli.”

CEFR level