noun
- fortified outworks or defensive structures, especially towers or gateways protecting the entrance to a castle or fortified town
Usage: architecture; historical
Examples
- The medieval castle’s barbicans protected the main gate from enemy attacks.
- Visitors must pass through the ancient barbicans to enter the fortress.
- The architect studied the design of barbicans from various European castles.
- Stone barbicans still stand guard at the entrance to the old city.
- The restoration project focused on rebuilding the damaged barbicans.
- Medieval engineers positioned barbicans strategically to control access routes.