GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Fortress , 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.  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.
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2.       
   Fortress, v. t. To furnish with a fortress or with fortresses; to guard; to fortify.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster