How Do You Spell BARBICAN?

Pronunciation: [bˈɑːbɪkən] (IPA)

The word "barbican" is spelled with a unique arrangement of letters that requires a bit of explanation. The first syllable, "bar," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, as in "bat." The second syllable, "bi," is pronounced with a long "e" sound, as in "bee." The final syllable, "can," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, as in "can." Overall, the word is spelled phonetically as "ˈbɑː.bɪ.kən" in IPA transcription. The barbican is a fortified gateway, typically constructed as an outer defense for a castle or other fortification.

BARBICAN Meaning and Definition

1. A barbican is a fortified outpost typically located at the entrance of a castle or a city wall, designed to provide defense and enhance security. This term finds its origins in the Middle English word "barbecane," which is ultimately derived from Old French "barbacane" or "barbacan." A barbican primarily serves as a defensive structure, often consisting of a fortified tower or a small fortified gatehouse built adjacent to the main entrance of a castle or fortification.

   The strategic placement of a barbican at the entrance of a castle allows defenders to secure the primary access point by monitoring and controlling the flow of traffic. It often features high walls, strong gates, and defensive mechanisms such as murder holes, arrow slits, or drawbridges. The barbican serves as an additional layer of defense, enabling defenders to hold off attackers attempting to breach the main fortress.

   Beyond its military significance, a barbican may also function as a ceremonial gateway or architectural feature, providing an impressive entrance to a significant structure. In some cases, barbicans served as a defensive measure for cities, acting as the first line of defense against potential invaders.

   Overall, a barbican is a fortress structure positioned to protect and secure the primary entrance of a castle, fortification, or city wall, offering both defensive and symbolic functions.

2. A watch-tower; an outwork or fort at the entrance of a bridge.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BARBICAN

• barbakan
• barbacen
• varbican
• narbican
• harbican
• garbican
• bzrbican
• bsrbican
• bwrbican
• bqrbican
• baebican
• badbican
• bafbican
• batbican
• ba5bican
• ba4bican
• barvican
• barnican
• barhican
• bargican
• barbucan
• babbian
• bardian
• barbizon
• barrigan
• Barbizan
• Barucan
• Baryacan
• Barbitun
• Barbisen

Etymology of BARBICAN

The word "barbican" has its origins in the Middle English word "barbekane", which was derived from the Old French word "barbacane". The Old French term was in turn derived from the Medieval Latin word "barbacana". This Latin word was borrowed from the Arabic term "bab kanah" (باب كنة), which translates to "hornwork" or "outer fortification". The concept of a barbican, as a defensive structure located in front of a castle or city gate, originated in medieval Europe and was influenced by Arabic military architecture.

Similar spelling words for BARBICAN

• barbecue,
• barbecuing,
• barboza,
• barbacan,
• barbosa.

Plural form of BARBICAN is BARBICANS