cheval-de-frise Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun defensive structure consisting of a movable obstacle composed of barbed wire or spikes attached to a wooden frame; used to obstruct cavalry
    chevaux-de-frise.

WordNet

Che*val"-de-frise" noun
Etymology
F.; cheval horse + Frise Friesland, where it was first used.
Wordforms
plural Chevaux-de-frise
Definitions
  1. (Mil.) A piece of timber or an iron barrel traversed with iron-pointed spikes or spears, five or six feet long, used to defend a passage, stop a breach, or impede the advance of cavalry, etc.
    Obstructions of chain, boom, and cheval-de-frise. W. Irving.

Webster 1913