barbican

(bär′bi kən)

noun

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

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

See barbican in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A tower or other fortification on the approach to a castle or town, especially one at a gate or drawbridge.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French barbacane

Origin: , from Medieval Latin barbacana

Origin: , from Persian barbārkhān

Origin: : barbār, guard (from Old Iranian *parivāraka-, protective; see wer-⁴ in Indo-European roots)

Origin: + khān, house (from Middle Persian)

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