A castle is a fortified residence, typically surrounded by walls, often built for a prince or noble during feudal times. It served as a stronghold designed to offer protection and assert control over territory.
The castle is usually the chief and most secure part of a larger fortified area, emphasizing defense and power.
"A fortified, usually walled residence, as of a prince or noble in feudal times."
Castles historically functioned as centers of military defense and local administration, symbolizing authority and social order.
This text defines a castle as a defensible noble residence central to feudal power structures in medieval society.