postern

American  

[poh-stern, pos-tern] / ˈpoʊ stərn, ˈpɒs tərn /

noun

1. a back door or gate.

2. a private entrance or any entrance other than the main one.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a postern.

postern British  

/ ˈpɒstən /

noun

1. a back door or gate, esp one that is for private use

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adjective

1. situated at the rear or the side

Etymology

Origin of postern

1250–1300; Middle English posterne < Old French, variant of posterle < Late Latin posterula, diminutive of postera back door, noun use of feminine of posterus coming behind. See posterior, -ule

Example Sentences

Upon being prompted, however, he went on: "Behind shut the postern, the lights sank to rest."

From Time Magazine Archive

But most of them opened their postern gates and let Mr. Jones come in with the money he was determined to inject into them.

From Time Magazine Archive

Even the postern doors would likely be guarded.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

The postern was closed again, the iron door was barred and piled inside with stones.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

"Y'Grace," he said quietly, "the boys caught a groom and two maidservants trying to sneak out a postern with three of the king's horses."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin