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

Mounted orderlies were dashing at breakneck speed between the Presidio and the city.

From Project Gutenberg

A Citizens' Patrol had been formed to protect the still unburned districts, each man provided with arms at the Presidio.

From Project Gutenberg

A fort was erected where the present Presidio stands, and later a battery of cannon was placed at Black Point.

From Project Gutenberg

Carmen has wheedled the surgeon of the presidio to such good purpose that she has managed to get her rom out of prison.

From Project Gutenberg

The result is best shown by medical reports from the Fifteenth Infantry, lately stationed at the Presidio.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• garrison
• redoubt