Portcullis

PORTCUL’LIS, n. [L. clausus.] In fortification, an assemblage of timbers joined across one another, like those of a harrow, and each pointed with iron; hung over the gateway of a fortified town, to be let down in case of surprise, to prevent the entrance of an enemy.

PORTCUL’LIS, v.t. To shut; to bar; to obstruct.