BARBICAN; BARBACAN Bar"bi*can, Bar"ba*can, n. Etym: [OE. barbican, barbecan, F. barbacane, LL. barbacana, barbicana, of uncertain origin: cf. Ar. barbakh aqueduct, sewer. F. barbacane also means, an opening to let out water, loophole.]
1. ( Fort.) A tower or advanced work defending the entrance to a castle or city, as at a gate or bridge. It was often large and strong, having a ditch and drawbridge of its own.
2. An opening in the wall of a fortress, through which missiles were discharged upon an enemy.
BARBICANAGE; BARBACANAGE
Bar"bi*can*age, Bar"ba*can*age, n. Etym: [LL. barbicanagium. See
Barbican.]
Defn: Money paid for the support of a barbican. [Obs.]
BARBICEL
Bar"bi*cel, n. Etym: [NL. barbicella, dim. of L. barba. See 1st
Barb.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the small hooklike processes on the barbules of feathers.
BARBIERS
Bar"biers, n. (Med.)
Defn: A variety of paralysis, peculiar to India and the Malabar coast; — considered by many to be the same as beriberi in chronic form.
BARBIGEROUS
Bar*big"er*ous, a. Etym: [L. barba a beard + gerous.]