portcullis

/pɔːtˈkʌl.ɪs/

PƆːTKɅL · ɪs (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A gate in the form of a grating which is lowered into place at the gateway of a castle, a fort, etc.

Etymology

From Middle English portcolyse, from Old French porte colëice, from porte (“door”) + feminine of colëiz (“sliding”), ultimately from Latin colāre.