Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Postern

//ˈpɑstɚn// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Situated at the rear; posterior.
Noun
  1. 1
    A back gate, back door, side entrance, or other gateway distinct from the main entrance, especially in a city wall or fortification.

    "And as they cam hurlyng vnder the Castel where as sir launcelot lay in wyndowe / & sawe how two knyghtes layd vpon syr Blyaunt with their swerdes /[…]/ And thenne sir launcelot brake the chaynes fro his legges and of his armes /[…]/ & so sir launcelot ran out at a posterne / and there he mett with the two knyȝtes that chaced sir Blyaunt"

  2. 2
    a small gate in the rear of a fort or castle wordnet
  3. 3
    A separate or hidden way in or out of a place, situation etc. archaic, broadly
  4. 4
    A subterranean passage communicating between the parade and the main ditch, or between the ditches and the interior of the outworks. historical

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

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Old French posterne, alteration of posterle, from Late Latin posterula (“back door”), from Latin posterus (“later”).

Etymology 2

From Old French posterne, alteration of posterle, from Late Latin posterula (“back door”), from Latin posterus (“later”).

See also for "postern"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: postern