espalier Hear it!

espalier definition

es·pal·ier (es pal′yər, -yā′; is-)

noun

  1. a lattice or trellis on which trees and shrubs are trained to grow flat
  2. a plant, tree, etc. so trained

Etymology: Fr < It spalliera, support for the shoulders < spalla, the shoulder < L spatula: see spatula

transitive verb

  1. to train as or on an espalier
  2. to provide with an espalier

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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