(Eng. Hist.) Five English ports, to which peculiar privileges were anciently accorded; - viz., Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich; afterwards increased by the addition of Winchelsea, Rye, and some minor places. These ports have peculiar charges and services imposed upon them, and were entitled to certain privileges and liberties. They were important defenses against French invasion. They had a special Governor or Keeper, called Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.