chevaux-de-frise

Variant of cheval-de-frise

cheval-de-frise definition

cheval·-de-frise (s̸hə val′ də frēz′)

noun pl. chevaux-de-frise chevaux′·-de-frise′ (s̸hə vō′-)

  1. an obstacle, usually a piece of wood with projecting spikes, formerly used to hinder enemy horsemen
  2. a row of spikes or jagged glass set into the masonry on top of a wall to prevent escape or trespassing

Etymology: Fr < cheval, a horse + de, of + Frise, Friesland: first used by Frisians, who lacked cavalry, against Spaniards

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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