1. (Fort.) A grating of iron or of timbers pointed with iron, hung over the gateway of a fortress, to be let down to prevent the entrance of an enemy. "Let the portcullis fall." Sir W. Scott. She . . . the huge portcullis high updrew. Milton. 2. An English coin of the reign of Elizabeth, struck for the use of the East India Company; -- so called from its bearing the figure of a po...
