Blockhouse
/ˈblɒkˌhaʊs/noun
A small fortified building used for defense.
Did you know?The word is not occult in origin, but its power is physical: a blockhouse was a real military strongpoint designed to stop enemies cold, turning ordinary “house” into a weaponized shelter.
Etymological Timeline
Early Modern English
English
block house
“A fortified house or small defensive fort made of heavy timber or masonry.”
17th Century
English
blockhouse
“A compound term used for a military strongpoint or defensive building.”
Middle English
English
blok
“A solid piece of wood or other material; a log or chunk.”
Old English
Old English
hūs
“A dwelling, shelter, or enclosed place for living.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hūsą
“House, dwelling, shelter.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*blukkō / *blok-
“A block, log, or lump of wood.”