Bār'ba-can or Bār'bi-can, n.
n. [A-S. barbacan, barbycan, O. Eng. barbycan, barbican, Fr. & It. barbacane, Fr. & Sp. barbacana, L. Lat. barbacana, barbicana, originally, as in French, an opening in the wall to let water run through; of Arabic origin. Ar. barbakhun, aqueduct, sewer.]
Sense 1. (Fort.) An advanced work defending the entrance to a castle or city, as at a drawbridge or gate; it was often large and strong, having a ditch and drawbridge of its own.
Within the barbacan the porter sat. Spencer.
He leads a body of men under the outer barrier of the barbacan. W. Scott.
Sense 2. An opening in the wall of a fortress, through which guns are leveled and fired upon an enemy. Gwilt.
