noun
- a fortified outpost or gateway, especially one protecting the entrance to a castle or city
Usage: architecture; historical
Examples
- The medieval castle’s barbican served as the first line of defense against attackers.
- Visitors must pass through the ancient barbican to enter the walled city.
- The barbican’s thick stone walls and narrow entrance made it nearly impregnable.
- Archaeologists discovered the remains of a Roman barbican near the old fortress.
- The barbican was equipped with murder holes and arrow slits for defense.
- Guards stationed in the barbican could control access to the main castle.