BARBICANS Meaning and
Definition
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Barbicans are fortified outworks or advanced defensive structures that were commonly found in medieval castles and fortresses. The term "barbican" originates from the Anglo-Norman word "barbacane," which was derived from the Late Latin "barbacana."
A barbican typically consisted of a small fortified gatehouse or tower located at the entrance of a castle or fortress. Its primary purpose was to provide an additional layer of defense by controlling access to the main gateway. The structure was strategically positioned to defend the castle’s entrance and hinder any attempts made by enemy forces to breach the outermost defenses.
Typically, a barbican was constructed with thick, sturdy stone walls, which often featured arrow slits or gun ports to allow the defenders to shoot at attackers. It also had a portcullis or heavy wooden door that could be lowered to secure the entrance when needed.
In addition to its defensive role, barbicans often served as a checkpoint or guardhouse. They allowed the defenders to scrutinize those seeking entry and control traffic flow in and out of the castle or fortress. Many barbicans also had accommodations for soldiers or guards, including living quarters and storage spaces for weaponry and supplies.
While barbicans were primarily associated with medieval military architecture, some later structures, such as city gates or walled towns, incorporated similar defensive features and were also referred to as barbicans.
Common Misspellings for BARBICANS
- varbicans
- narbicans
- harbicans
- garbicans
- bzrbicans
- bsrbicans
- bwrbicans
- bqrbicans
- baebicans
- badbicans
- bafbicans
- batbicans
- ba5bicans
- ba4bicans
- barvicans
- barnicans
- barhicans
- bargicans
- barbucans
- barbjcans
- Barbaicans
- Barbeicans
- Barrvicans
- Barvaicans
Etymology of BARBICANS
The word "barbican" has its origins in the Old French term "barbacane", which was derived from the Late Latin word "barbacana". The Late Latin term, in turn, was derived from the Ancient Greek word "phalangana" or "phalangion".
In its earliest usage, "barbican" referred to a fortified outpost or defensive tower located in front of a castle or city gate. It served as a first line of defense against enemy attacks, often featuring defensive walls and other structures. Over time, the term evolved to include any fortified position or defensive structure. Ultimately, "barbican" came to refer to any fortified outpost or tower built forward of the main defenses of a castle, fortress, or city.
Similar spelling words for BARBICANS
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