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    Poterne (en. Postern)

    pɔtɛʁn

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    noun
    A narrow passage often used for escape.
    The soldiers escaped through the postern of the fortress.
    Les soldats se sont échappés par la poterne de la forteresse.
    A small door in a wall, often for access to the garden.
    She opened the postern to let in the guests.
    Elle a ouvert la poterne pour faire entrer les invités.
    Terms of military architecture.
    The postern was closed to ensure the security of the castle.
    La poterne était fermée pour assurer la sécurité du château.

    Etymology

    From the Latin 'portina', deriving from 'porta' which means 'door'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to go through the postern
    To use a discreet or secret path.
    passer par la poterne
    to escape through the postern
    To flee quickly from a place.
    se sauver par la poterne

    Related Words

    door
    An opening allowing entry or exit.
    porte
    wall
    A vertical construction element that delineates a space.
    mur

    Slang Meanings

    To escape a difficult situation.
    He decided to take the postern to avoid the conflict.
    Il a décidé de prendre la poterne pour éviter le conflit.
    To use a roundabout way to exit.
    She used the postern to quietly leave the party.
    Elle a utilisé la poterne pour quitter discrètement la fête.