Postern

Quick meaning: Postern is a noun meaning Situated at the rear; posterior.

Meaning

Situated at the rear; posterior.

More Meanings

1. (architecture) A back gate, back door, side entrance, or other gateway distinct from the main entrance, especially in a city wall or fortification.
2. (archaic, by extension) A separate or hidden way in or out of a place, situation etc.
3. (historical, military) A subterranean passage communicating between the parade and the main ditch, or between the ditches and the interior of the outworks.

Example Sentences

He by a privy postern took his flight.

Out at the postern, by the abbey wall.

The postern of the enceinte leads through the middle of the curtain, descending from the plane of sight to the ditch

The Duke of Argyle led the way in silence to the small postern by which they had been admitted into Richmond Park, so long the favourite residence of Queen Caroline. It was opened by the same half-seen janitor, and they found themselves beyond the precincts of the royal demesne.

Word Forms

• posterns

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include door, gate, sidepost, portal, entry, threshold.

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