barbican Hear it!

barbican Definition

bar·bi·can (bär′bi kən)

noun

a defensive tower or similar fortification at a gate or bridge leading into a town or castle

Etymology: ME < OFr barbacane < ML barbacana, < ?

barbican Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • large: In 1333 a large barbican was built, and a portcullis was added.

Modifies a noun

  • education: Barbican education events take place in many Barbican venues.
  • tower: The first floor of the barbican towers can only be reached by the mural staircase in the western curtain wall.