American Dictionary of the English Language, Vol. 2
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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.
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