'Bastile' definitions:

Definition of 'Bastile'

From: GCIDE
  • Bastile \Bas*tile"\ Bastille \Bas*tille"\(b[.a]s*t[=e]l" or b[.a]s"t[-e]l; 277), n. [F. bastille fortress, OF. bastir to build, F. b[^a]tir.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. (Feud. Fort.) A tower or an elevated work, used for the defense, or in the siege, of a fortified place. [1913 Webster]
  • The high bastiles . . . which overtopped the walls. --Holland. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. "The Bastille", formerly a castle or fortress in Paris, used as a prison, especially for political offenders; hence, a rhetorical name for a prison. [1913 Webster]