n.
A fortified place, especially a large, permanent military stronghold that often includes a town.
[Middle English forteress, from Old French, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis, strong.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
