For"tress (?), n.; pl.
Fortresses (#). [F. forteresse, OF.
forteresce, fortelesce, LL. foralitia, fr. L.
fortis strong. See Fort, and cf. Fortalice.]
A fortified place; a large and permanent fortification,
sometimes including a town; a fort; a castle; a stronghold; a place
of defense or security.
Syn. -- Fortress, Fortification,
Castle, Citadel. A fortress is constructed for
military purposes only, and is permanently garrisoned; a
fortification is built to defend harbors, cities, etc.; a
castle is a fortress of early times which was ordinarily a
palatial dwelling; a citadel is the stronghold of a fortress
or city, etc.
For"tress, v. t. To furnish with a
fortress or with fortresses; to guard; to fortify.
Shak.
