/bahr"bi keuhn/ , n.
1. an outwork of a fortified place, as a castle.
2. a defensive outpost of any sort.
Also, barbacan .
[ 1250-1300; ME barbecan, barbican barbacane or ML barbacana, perh. balahana terrace over a roof, upper floor, altered by assoc. with L barba BEARD, a beard marking the front or face of a thing ]