[fawr-tris] 
| 1. | a large fortified place; a fort or group of forts, often including a town; citadel. |
| 2. | any place of exceptional security; stronghold. |
| for·tress (fôr'trĭs) n. A fortified place, especially a large, permanent military stronghold that often includes a town. [Middle English forteress, from Old French, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis, strong; see bhergh-2 in Indo-European roots.] |