Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Toran \To"ran\, Torana \To"ra*na\, n. [Skr. t[=o]ra[.n]a an
   arch, a gate.] (Indian Arch.)
   A gateway, commonly of wood, but sometimes of stone,
   consisting of two upright pillars carrying one to three
   transverse lintels. It is often minutely carved with symbolic
   sculpture, and serves as a monumental approach to a Buddhist
   temple.