definition of barbican from Oxford Dictionaries Online


	Email Cite Text size: A A Print options: Example sentences Synonyms Categories barbican (bar¦bi\|can) Syllabification: On Off Entry from World dictionary Pronunciation:/ˈbɑːbɪk(ə)n/ noun the outer defence of a castle or walled city, especially a double tower above a gate or drawbridge Origin: Middle English: from Old French barbacane; probably based on Arabic outside View entry action of defending from or resisting attack View entry large building, typically of medieval period, fortified against attack with thick walls View entry fortified and heavily guarded wall built in 1961 by communist authorities on boundary between East and West Berlin View entry consisting of two equal, identical, or similar parts or things View entry tall narrow building, either free-standing or forming part of building View entry bridge which is hinged at one end so that it may be raised to prevent people crossing or to allow vessels to pass under it View entry English language from c. 1150 to c. 1470 View entry French language up to c. 1400 View entry Semitic language of Arabs, spoken by some 150 million people View entry outer defense of castle or walled city View entry Meaning entity » object » artifact » structure » building » tower Subject Arts and humanities » Architecture Click any link to see words in that category		More words in this category acanthus boss² coffer cornice entasis fillet frontispiece gable grotesque lancet window oculus oculus pagoda plafond propylaeum reeding riad sciagraphy solar² transitional