{ } n. [ F. bastille fortress, OF. bastir to build, F. bâtir. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Feud. Fort.) A tower or an elevated work, used for the defense, or in the siege, of a fortified place. [ 1913 Webster ]

The high bastiles . . . which overtopped the walls. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. “The Bastille”, formerly a castle or fortress in Paris, used as a prison, especially for political offenders; hence, a rhetorical name for a prison. [ 1913 Webster ]