Found 2 items, similar to portcullis.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: portcullis portcullis n : gate consisting of an iron or wooden grating that hangs in the entry to a castle or fortified town; can be lowered to prevent passage
English → English (gcide) Definition: Portcullis Portcullis \Port*cul"lis\, n. [OF. porte coulisse, cole["i]ce, a sliding door, fr. L. colare, colatum, to filter, to strain: cf. F. couler to glide. See Port a gate, and cf. Cullis, Colander.] 1. (Fort.) A grating of iron or of timbers pointed with iron, hung over the gateway of a fortress, to be let down to prevent the entrance of an enemy. “Let the portcullis fall.” --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster] She . . . the huge portcullis high updrew. --Milton. [1913 Webster] 2. An English coin of the reign of Elizabeth, struck for the use of the East India Company; -- so called from its bearing the figure of a portcullis on the reverse. [1913 Webster] Portcullis \Port*cul"lis\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Portcullised; p. pr. & vb. n. Portcullising.] To obstruct with, or as with, a portcullis; to shut; to bar. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]