(~s)
1.
A ~ is a strong building or a place with a wall or fence around it where soldiers can stay and be safe from the enemy.
N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES
2.
If you hold the ~ for someone, or, in American English, if you hold down the ~, you look after things for them while they are somewhere else or are busy doing something else.
His business partner is holding the ~ while he is away.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR for n