abatis

(ab′ə tis, -tē′)

noun pl. abatis or abattis

a barricade of felled trees, with branches pointed toward the enemy: now often reinforced with barbed wire

Origin: Fr < OFr abateïs < abattre: see abate

See abatis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ab·a·tis (-tēzˌ) or ab·a·tis·es (-tĭ-sĭz)

A defensive obstacle made by laying felled trees on top of each other with branches, sometimes sharpened, facing the enemy.

Origin:

Origin: French, pile of things thrown down

Origin: , from Old French abateis

Origin: ; akin to abattre, to throw down; see abate

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