fortresses

1 definition found

fortresses - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Fortress \For"tress\, n.; pl. Fortresses. [F. forteresse, OF.
     forteresce, fortelesce, LL. foralitia, fr. L. fortis strong.
     See Fort, and cf. Fortalice.]
     A fortified place; a large and permanent fortification,
     sometimes including a town; a fort; a castle; a stronghold; a
     place of defense or security.
  
     Syn: Fortress, Fortification, Castle, Citadel.
  
     Usage: A fortress is constructed for military purposes only,
            and is permanently garrisoned; a fortification is
            built to defend harbors, cities, etc.; a castle is a
            fortress of early times which was ordinarily a
            palatial dwelling; a citadel is the stronghold of a
            fortress or city, etc.
            [1913 Webster]