ortification_
may be but part of a defensive system; we speak of the _fortifications_
of a city. A _citadel_ is a _fortification_ within a city, or the
fortified inner part of a city or _fortress_, within which a garrison
may be placed to overawe the citizens, or to which the defenders may
retire if the outer works are captured; the medieval _castle_ was the
fortified residence of a king or baron. _Fort_ is the common military
term for a detached fortified building or enclosure of moderate size
occupied or designed to be occupied by troops. The _fortifications_ of a
modern city usually consist of a chain of _forts_. Any defensible place,
whether made so by nature or by art, is a _fastness_ or _stronghold_.

* * * * *

FORTITUDE.

Synonyms:

courage, endurance, heroism, resolution.

_Fortitude_ (L. _fortis_, strong) is the strength or firmness of mind
or soul to endure pain or adversity patiently and determinedly.
_Fortitude_ has been defined as "passive _courage_," which is a good
definition, but not complete. _Fortitude_ might be termed "still
_courage_," or "enduring _courage_;" it is that quality which is able
not merely to endure pain or trial, but steadily to confront dangers
that can not be actively opposed, or against which one has no adequate
defense; it takes _courage_ to charge a battery, _fortitude_ to stand
still under an enemy's fire. _Resolution_ is of the mind; _endurance_ is
partly physical; it requires _resolution_ to resist temptation,
_endurance_ to resist hunger and cold. Compare BRAVE; PATIENCE.

* * * * *

FORTUNATE.

Synonyms:

favored, lucky, prospered, prosperous, successful.
happy,

A man is _successful_ in any case if he achieves or gains what he seeks;
he is known as a _successful_ man if he has achieved or gained worthy
objects of endeavor; he is _fortunate_ or _lucky_ if advantages have
come to him without or beyond his direct planning or achieving. _Lucky_
is the more common and colloquial, _fortunate_ the more elegant word;
_fortunate_ is more naturally applied to the graver matters, as we speak
of the _fortunate_, rather than the _lucky_, issue of a great battle;
_lucky_ more strongly emphasizes the element of chance, as when we speak
of a _lucky_ hit, a _lucky_ guess, or of one as "born under a _lucky_
star." _Favored_ is used in a religious sense, implying that one is the
object of divine favor. _