Barbacana (en. Barbican)

/baɾβaˈkana/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

noun

Definition: Defensive construction that protrudes from the walls.

Example Sentence: The archers positioned themselves on the barbican to protect the castle entrance.

Los arqueros se posicionaban en la barbacana para proteger la entrada del castillo.

Definition: Protrusion on the walls that serves as a shooting platform.

Example Sentence: From the barbican, one could see the enemies approaching.

Desde la barbacana, podía verse a los enemigos acercándose.

Etymology/Origin: From Hispanic Arabic *barbacána, from Classical Arabic باربَك (bārbaḳ), related to defensive structures.

Phrase: barbican of a castle

Meaning: Defense zone that provides a better field of vision and attack.

barbacana de un castillo

Phrase: to fight from the barbican

Meaning: Defend or fight with an advantage from an elevated position.

luchar desde la barbacana

Related Word: wall

Description: Structure of stone or brick that delineates a space.

muro

Related Word: castle

Description: Fortified structure that serves as residence and protection.

castillo

Related Word: fortress

Description: Building or set of buildings designed for defense against attacks.

fortaleza

Slang Meaning: In military jargon, it refers to a strategic position.

Example: The commander decided to move to the barbican to get a better view of the battlefield.

El comandante decidió moverse a la barbacana para tener una mejor vista del campo de batalla.

Slang Meaning: Metaphorical use to describe a clear advantage in a situation.

Example: Having the barbican in an argument means having solid arguments.

Tener la barbacana en una discusión significa tener argumentos sólidos.