Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Fortress

Fortress , noun

[French forteresse, Old French forteresce, fortelesce, Late Latin foralitia, from Latin fortis strong. See Fort, and compare Fortalice.]

A fortified place; a large and permanent fortification, sometimes including a town; a fort; a castle; a stronghold; a place of defense or security.

Fortress , transitive verb

To furnish with a fortress or with fortresses; to guard; to fortify. — Shakespeare