Rocca

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A rugged mountain or crag often associated with picturesque scenery or fortifications
2. A stronghold or fortress situated on elevated terrain that provides strategic advantage
3. A steep, rocky hill or cliff, commonly serving as a natural defense or lookout point

Etymology: Its surprising twin is the Italian "rocca," which means a fortress built on a height, and English took the word from that sense. The Italian "rocca" in turn comes from Late Latin "rocca," meaning a rock or crag. That Latin form is probably of Germanic origin, but I am not certain of the exact route. Over time the Italian meaning shifted from the rock itself to the castle perched on it, which is why the term suits a stronghold set on high ground. The same Italian spelling also means "distaff," the stick that holds wool or flax for spinning. That is a separate word, borrowed from a different Germanic source related to English "rock" in this sense, so the two only look alike by coincidence of form.

Synonyms: fortress, castle, stronghold, citadel, fort