BASTILLE

PRONUNCIATION: (ba-STEEL)

MEANING: noun: A prison.

ETYMOLOGY: After Bastille, a fortress in Paris, that was used to hold prisoners. From Old French bastille (fortress), alteration of bastide, from Old Provençal bastir (to build). Earliest documented use: 1400.

NOTES: Bastille (French pronunciation: bas-TEE-yuh) was built in the 14th century and stormed on Jul 14, 1789, marking the beginning of the revolution. The anniversary (Bastille Day) is celebrated as a national holiday in France.
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BAST ISLE - spot of land in the Nile, populated by cats

BESTELLE - favorite girl friend

BAS-TILLER - the below-deck rod for turning the rudder