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    Barbicane (en. Barbican)

    /baʁ.bi.kan/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    noun
    An advanced fortified construction placed in front of a castle or city.
    The barbican protected the castle entrance from attackers.
    Le barbicane protégeait l'entrée du château contre les assaillants.
    A defensive device placed on the walls of a fortress.
    The barbicans were often equipped with battlements to allow defenders to fire.
    Les barbicanes étaient souvent équipés de créneaux pour permettre aux défenseurs de tirer.
    A part of a fortification that juts out.
    The barbican provided better visibility of the surroundings.
    Le barbicane permettait une meilleure visibilité des environs.

    Etymology

    From Old English 'barbacana', based on the word 'barbacane', designating a defensive structure.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    defensive barbican
    An advanced protection device.
    barbicane de défense
    to take refuge behind the barbican
    To find shelter in a secure position.
    se réfugier derrière le barbicane
    barbican fortification
    A fortification with an advanced structure.
    fortification en barbicane

    Related Words

    bastion
    A construction that juts out to defend a fortification.
    bastion
    rampart
    Wall surrounding a city or fortress.
    rempart
    cathedral
    Religious building often constructed with defensive elements.
    cathédrale

    Slang Meanings

    Term used to designate excessive protection in an informal context.
    He installed a barbican around his car to protect it from scratches.
    Il a installé un barbicane autour de sa voiture pour la protéger des rayures.
    Used to describe a very protective character.
    She is like a barbican for her friends, always ready to defend them.
    Elle est comme un barbicane pour ses amis, toujours prête à les défendre.