POSTERN DOOR Meaning and
Definition
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A postern door is a small, secondary door discreetly positioned within a larger building or structure, typically near the rear or side. This term is derived from the Old French word "posterne," meaning hidden or secret. Postern doors are often used for discreet entrances, alternate exits, or passages that provide a secretive means of ingress or egress.
Traditionally, postern doors were commonly found in defensive structures such as castles, fortresses, or walled cities. These secret entrances allowed individuals, especially during times of siege or war, to come and go without drawing unwanted attention from enemies. Their concealed nature made it less likely for invaders to discover or breach them, preserving the security of the main entranceways.
In the context of architecture, a postern door can also refer to a small back door situated behind a building, providing access to a yard or alleyway. Such doors may have been used by servants, delivery workers, or for other practical purposes.
Overall, the purpose of a postern door is to offer a discreet and secure means of entry or exit, typically employed in situations where secrecy, protection, or alternative access is desired. While their prevalence has diminished over time, the concept of postern doors continues to evoke a sense of intrigue, secrecy, and architectural ingenuity.
Common Misspellings for POSTERN DOOR
- oostern door
- lostern door
- -ostern door
- 0ostern door
- pistern door
- pkstern door
- plstern door
- ppstern door
- p0stern door
- p9stern door
- poatern door
- poztern door
- poxtern door
- podtern door
- poetern door
- powtern door
- posrern door
- posfern door
- posgern door
- posyern door
Etymology of POSTERN DOOR
The word "postern" comes from Middle English "posterne", which ultimately derives from Old French "posterne" or "poste ronne". This Old French term was a combination of "poste" (meaning "door" or "gate") and "ronne" (meaning "round" or "arched"). Therefore, "postern" originally referred to a door or gate that was arched or rounded in shape. Over time, it specifically came to denote a small secondary door or gate in a fortification or wall. The addition of "door" to "postern" simply clarifies that it is a type of entrance.
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