portcullis

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portcullis

portcullis , grating or framework of strong bars of wood or iron, sharp-pointed at their lower ends, sliding vertically in the grooved jambs of a fortified portal as a protection in case of assault. First used in Roman times against Hannibal, the portcullis reached its highest development in the 12th cent. as a characteristic feature of the defensive system of a castle or fortified town. It could be dropped suddenly in a surprise attack. Through its grating the defenders could keep up a fire of arrows and other missiles. In the 14th cent., with the development of gunpowder, its tactical value was reduced.

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"portcullis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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portcullis

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture | 2000 | | Â© A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture 2000, originally published by Oxford University Press 2000. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

portcullis. Strong door in a fortified medieval gateway, sliding vertically, normally a grating heavily framed of wood strengthened with iron, with pointed iron bars at the bottom. Usually kept in the raised position, it could be dropped suddenly when required for reasons of defence. See also yett.

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JAMES STEVENS CURL. "portcullis." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Oxford University Press. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JAMES STEVENS CURL. "portcullis." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Oxford University Press. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (November 16, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-portcullis.html

JAMES STEVENS CURL. "portcullis." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Oxford University Press. 2000. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-portcullis.html

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portcullis

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

portcullis XIV. ME. port colice, -coles, -(e)cules, porcules — OF. porte coleïce, i.e. porte door (PORT2), col(e)ïce, coulice, fem. of couleïs gliding. sliding:- Rom. *cōlātīcius, f. L. cōlāre, -āt- filter.

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T. F. HOAD. "portcullis." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "portcullis." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (November 16, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-portcullis.html

T. F. HOAD. "portcullis." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-portcullis.html

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