Definition of portcullis

• n. - A grating of iron or of timbers pointed with iron, hung over the gateway of a fortress, to be let down to prevent the entrance of an enemy.
• n. - An English coin of the reign of Elizabeth, struck for the use of the East India Company; -- so called from its bearing the figure of a portcullis on the reverse.
• v. t. - To obstruct with, or as with, a portcullis; to shut; to bar.