presidio

[ pri-sid-ee-oh; Spanish pre-see-thyaw ]

noun

, plural pre·sid·i·os [pri-, sid, -ee-ohz, p, r, e-, see, -, th, yaws].

1. a garrisoned fort; military post.
2. a Spanish penal settlement.

presidio

/ preˈsiðjo; prɪˈsɪdɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. a military post or establishment, esp in countries under Spanish control

Other Words From

• pre·sidi·al pre·sid·i·ar·y [pri-, sid, -ee-er-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of presidio¹

1755–65, Americanism; < Spanish < Latin praesidium guard, garrison, post, literally, defense, protection. See presidium

Word History and Origins

Origin of presidio¹

C19: from Spanish: garrison, from Latin praesidium a guard, protection; see preside

Example Sentences

They succeeded in the Adriatic clamming town of Goro, and a round-the-clock presidio is being staffed near barracks in the Lombard town of Montichiari.

From Seattle Times

To counter the skepticism, Reyes said he hopes to share stories of the mission “Indian militia” that protected settlers and even presidio soldiers from attacks by indigenous tribes from the north.

From Washington Times

The presidio walls were knocked down decades ago.

From Los Angeles Times

The 1719 water system, one of seven developed by the city’s early settlers, traversed what is now museum property and Broadway en route to the Spanish presidio at Mission San Antonio de Valero - the Alamo.

From Washington Times

The presidio had yielded to the glass office towers of downtown.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• garrison
• redoubt