Portcullis (noun)

A heavy grate of iron bars that can be raised or lowered like a gate, used as a defensive barrier in castles and fortresses.

Origin:

From middle english portcoulis, from old french porte-coleice, from porte 'gate' + coleice 'collar', from latin columella 'little pillar'.

Examples:

1. The castle's entrance was protected by a portcullis, which could be raised and lowered to allow entry and exit.
2. Visitors to the medieval castle were fascinated by the working portcullis, which was still in good condition after hundreds of years.
3. The portcullis was the castle's first line of defense, and could be quickly lowered in case of attack to block the entrance.
4. Many castles had multiple portcullises, with each one leading to a different section of the castle.
5. The portcullis at the front of the castle was a symbol of power and strength, and was often depicted on the castle's coat of arms.