Sekirov Dictionary

postern

UK /ˈpɒst(ə)n/US /ˈpoʊstəɹn/

noun8

  1. [before a noun] A back door or gate, side entrance, or other entrance distinct from the main one, especially one that is private or not obvious.
  2. [before a noun] A hidden or secret exit or tunnel of a fortification such as a castle, city wall, or fort.
  3. [before a noun] Any way in or out of a place, especially a hidden one; an entrance or exit.
  4. [before a noun] (historical) An underground passage communicating between a main ditch and a parade, or between the ditches and the interior of the outworks.
  5. (figurative, no longer used) A means of escape; an escape route.
  6. (figurative, no longer used) A dishonourable or unconventional means of doing something.
  7. (figurative, no longer used) The back or rear part of a thing.
  8. (figurative, no longer used) The buttocks of a person; behind, posterior.
    • Cast care at thy posternes; and firke i' thy fetters; / They are ornaments, Baby, haue graced thy betters: […] — 1616

adjective3

  1. (no longer used) Situated at the rear; posterior.
  2. (no longer used) Clandestine, hidden, secret; also, dishonourable, underhand.
  3. (no longer used) Lower in quality or status; inferior, lesser.
forms

posterns · more postern · most postern

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