Portcullis
Sliding fortress barrier
A portcullis is a heavy grating of iron or wooden bars that slides vertically in grooves to block a gateway, especially in a castle or fortified town.
It could be dropped quickly to trap attackers in an enclosed space or prevent entry during a siege: The guards lowered the portcullis as the enemy approached.
The image sometimes appears in heraldry and institutional emblems.
Structure over an entrance
- castleFortified medieval residence
- drawbridgeHinged castle entrance span
- moatDefensive water ditch
- barbicanOuter defensive tower
rampart · battlement · tower · stronghold · keep · fortress · curtain wall · murder holes
Drum-and-cable lifting mechanism
- chainsLinked metal restraints
- counterweightBalancing mass in machinery
- pulleyGrooved wheel for rope
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
channel · slot · iron bars · wooden frame · hoist · lowering · raising · windlass
Representational sign or device
- coat of armsHereditary symbolic emblem
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- WestminsterLondon's political center
- TudorSixteenth-century English ruling family
Beaufort · royal · crest · symbol · device · shield · armorial · House of Commons
gatehouse
Structure over an entrance
- castleFortified medieval residence
- drawbridgeHinged castle entrance span
- moatDefensive water ditch
barbican · rampart · battlement · tower · stronghold · keep · fortress · curtain wall · murder holes · winch
winch
Drum-and-cable lifting mechanism
- chainsLinked metal restraints
- counterweightBalancing mass in machinery
- pulleyGrooved wheel for rope
groove · channel · slot · iron bars · wooden frame · hoist · lowering · raising · windlass · rope
emblem
Representational sign or device
- coat of armsHereditary symbolic emblem
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- WestminsterLondon's political center
Tudor · Beaufort · royal · crest · symbol · device · shield · armorial · House of Commons · Henry VII
Portcullisswinging door
Door pivoting both directions
swing gate · revolving door · sliding door · saloon doors · French doors
port, portal, porter, portage, portable, portability, transport, transportation, transporter