cheval : Idioms & Phrases

• noun a full length mirror mounted in a frame in which it can be tilted
  

WordNet

• a mirror swinging in a frame, and large enough to reflect the full leght figure.

Webster 1913

• 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