castle

English

/ˈkɑːsəl/, /ˈkæsəl/

noun
Definitions
  • A large building that is fortified and contains many defences; in previous ages often inhabited by a nobleman or king.
  • (chess) An instance of castling.
  • (chess) A rook; a chess piece shaped like a castle tower.
  • (shogi) A defense structure in shogi formed by defensive pieces surrounding the king.
  • (obsolete) A close helmet.
  • (dated) Any strong, imposing, and stately mansion.
  • (dated) A small tower, as on a ship, or an elephant's back.
  • (cricket) The wicket.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English castle inherited from Old English castel derived from Latin castellum (castle, fort, citadel, fortress, reservoir, cistern), castrum (castle, camp, fort, fortress, citadel, stronghold) derived from Proto-Indo-European *kat- (link weave together, net, chain, shed, hut, braid, twist, cub) derived from castel.

Origin

castel

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms