drawbridge
/ˈdɹɔːbɹɪd͡ʒ/ noun C2- A hinged bridge which can be raised (to prevent its being crossed, as across a moat, or to allow watercraft to travel beneath it). · Near-synonym: bascule bridge
- A tendency to provide only limited access. · drawbridge mentality
Plural drawbridges
From the library
They had then rushed out into the hall, where Ames had turned the windlass which lowered the drawbridge.
The only approach to the house was over a drawbridge, the chains and windlass of which had long been rusted and broken.
The latest tenants of the Manor House had, however, with characteristic energy, set this right, and the drawbridge was not only capable of being raised, but actually was raised every evening and lowered every morning.
On reaching the Manor House, the sergeant had found the drawbridge down, the windows lighted up, and the whole household in a state of wild confusion and alarm.
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