'Stronghold' definitions:

Definition of 'stronghold'

noun

A strongly fortified defensive structure [syn: stronghold, fastness]

From: GCIDE

Stronghold \Strong"hold`\, n. A fastness; a fort or fortress; fortfield place; a place of security. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Hold \Hold\ (h[=o]ld), n.
1. The act of holding, as in or with the hands or arms; the manner of holding, whether firm or loose; seizure; grasp; clasp; grip; possession; -- often used with the verbs take and lay. [1913 Webster]
Ne have I not twelve pence within mine hold. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
Thou should'st lay hold upon him. --B. Jonson. [1913 Webster]
My soul took hold on thee. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
Take fast hold of instruction. --Pror. iv. 13. [1913 Webster]
2. The authority or ground to take or keep; claim. [1913 Webster]
The law hath yet another hold on you. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. Binding power and influence. [1913 Webster]
Fear . . . by which God and his laws take the surest hold of. --Tillotson. [1913 Webster]
4. Something that may be grasped; means of support. [1913 Webster]
If a man be upon an high place without rails or good hold, he is ready to fall. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
5. A place of confinement; a prison; confinement; custody; guard. [1913 Webster]
They . . . put them in hold unto the next day. --Acts. iv. 3. [1913 Webster]
King Richard, he is in the mighty hold Of Bolingbroke. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
6. A place of security; a fortified place; a fort; a castle; -- often called a stronghold. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
New comers in an ancient hold --Tennyson. [1913 Webster]
7. (Mus.) A character [thus ?] placed over or under a note or rest, and indicating that it is to be prolonged; -- called also pause, and corona. [1913 Webster]