'Barbacan' definitions:
Definition of 'barbacan'
(from WordNet)
noun
A tower that is part of a defensive structure (such as a castle) [syn: barbican, barbacan]
Definition of 'Barbacan'
From: GCIDE
- Barbican \Bar"bi*can\, Barbacan \Bar"ba*can\, n. [OE. barbican, barbecan, F. barbacane, LL. barbacana, barbicana, of uncertain origin: cf. Ar. barbakh aqueduct, sewer. F. barbacane also means, an opening to let out water, loophole.]
- 1. (Fort.) A tower or advanced work defending the entrance to a castle or city, as at a gate or bridge. It was often large and strong, having a ditch and drawbridge of its own. [1913 Webster]
- 2. An opening in the wall of a fortress, through which missiles were discharged upon an enemy. [1913 Webster] Barbicanage