: a massive inner tower in a medieval castle — see castle illustration.

Why was it called a donjon?

The 12th-century French came to term them a donjon, from the Latin dominarium “lordship”, linking the keep and feudal authority.

What is donjon used for?

donjon, orkeep, Most heavily fortified area of a medieval castle, usually a tower, to which the occupants could retire during a siege. It contained a well, quarters, offices, and service rooms.

What does it mean to call someone a Don Juan?

Definition of Don Juan

1 : a legendary Spaniard proverbial for his seduction of women. 2 : a captivating man known as a great lover or seducer of women. Other Words from Don Juan Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About Don Juan.

What is the difference between donjon and dungeon?

As nouns the difference between donjon and dungeon

is that donjon is the fortified tower of a motte or early castle; a keep while dungeon is an underground prison or vault, typically built underneath a castle.

What is a keep in a castle?

keep, English term corresponding to the French donjon for the strongest portion of the fortification of a castle, the place of last resort in case of siege or attack.

What was the weakest point of a castle?

The entrance to the castle was always its weakest point. Drawbridges could be pulled up, preventing access across moats. Tall gate towers meant that defenders could shoot down in safety at attacks below. The main gate or door to the castle was usually a thick, iron-studded wooden door, that was hard to break through.

What were battlements used for?

The function of battlements in war is to protect the defenders by giving them something to hide behind, from which they can pop out to launch their own missiles.

What is a Barbican in a castle?

A barbican (from Old French: barbacane) is a fortified outpost or fortified gateway, such as at an outer defense perimeter of a city or castle, or any tower situated over a gate or bridge which was used for defensive purposes.

Why were stone keep castles built?

Stone is more durable and resistant than wood and so it became the preferred building materials for castles. Stone castles were built taller and gave better protection against attack, fire and cold rainy weather.

What was the bailey used for in a castle?

The bailey was the center of domestic life within the castle and could contain a variety of buildings, including halls, kitchens, stores, stables, a chapel, barracks, and workshops.

What is a stone keep?

A stone keep was the central feature, with thick walls and few windows. Entrance to the keep was by stone steps leading to the first floor. The kitchens were situated on the ground floor while living quarters were on the upper floors. The first keeps were rectangular in shape but later ones were often circular.

What is a Don Spanish?

Today in the Spanish language, Doña is used to respectfully refer to a mature woman. Today in the Americas, the title Don or Doña is sometimes used in honorific form when addressing a senior citizen. In some countries, Don or Doña may be used as a generic honorific, similar to Sir and Madam in the United States.

What does it mean to be a Diego?

Meaning and Origin of: Diego

The name Diego is of Spanish origin and means “supplanter.” It is believed to be derived from the name Santiago, and in medieval times, Diego was Latinized as Didacus. It is believed Didacus derives from the Greek word didache, meaning “teaching.”

What does it mean to call someone Michelle?

The name Michelle is the anglicized version of the French name Michele. It means “who resembles God.”1 If you are parents of faith, this name might have strong appeal.