Postern Definition
pōstərn, pŏstərn
noun
A back door or gate; private entrance at the side or rear.
Webster's New World
(archaic) By extension, a separate or hidden way in or out of a place, situation etc.
Wiktionary
A subterranean passage communicating between the parade and the main ditch, or between the ditches and the interior of the outworks.
Wiktionary
adjective
Of or resembling a postern, as in being at the rear, or private.
Webster's New World
Situated in the back or at the side.
American Heritage
Other Word Forms of Postern
Noun
Singular:
postern
Plural:
posternsOrigin of Postern
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From Late Latin posterna, and its likely sources, Anglo-Norman posterne, Old French posterne, alteration of posterle, from Late Latin posterula (“back door"), from Latin posterus (“later").
From Wiktionary
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Middle English posterne from Old French alteration of posterle from Late Latin posterula diminutive of Latin posterus behind posterior
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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