I. pōrtˈkələ̇s noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English portculis, port colice, from Middle French porte coleïce, from Old French — more at coulisse
1. : a large grating of iron bars or heavy timbers suspended by chains over the gateway of a fortified place and lowered between grooves to prevent passage
2. : a portcullis or a lattice used as a heraldic charge
3. : a silver halfpenny issued by Elizabeth I in 1599 having a portcullis on the obverse
[s]portcull.jpg[/s]
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to furnish or close with or as if with a portcullis : bar , shut