Bastille

(bis-teel'.) [Fr.) (Hist.) A general name in France, during the Middle Ages, for works outside a city; but commonly applied to a celebrated fortre in Paris, which was used as a state prison, and in which many persons who had incurred the resentment of the French monarchs or their ministers were immured. It was built in 1369; and was taken by the people of Paris, July 14, 1789, and demolished. [s. 78]