1. a fortified military settlement, especially one established by the Spanish in areas they colonized
Usage: historical

Examples

• The Spanish built a presidio to protect the coastal settlement from attacks.
• San Francisco’s Presidio was originally established as a military outpost in 1776.
• The old presidio now serves as a national park and historic site.
• Soldiers stationed at the presidio guarded the frontier territory.
• The presidio’s walls provided protection for the surrounding community.
• Many California cities grew up around Spanish presidios.