Cheval-de-frise Definition
shə-văldə-frēz
chevaux-de-frise
noun
chevaux-de-frise
An obstacle, usually a piece of wood with projecting spikes, formerly used to hinder enemy horsemen.
Webster's New World
A row of spikes or jagged glass set into the masonry on top of a wall to prevent escape or trespassing.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- chevaux-de-frise
Other Word Forms of Cheval-de-frise
Noun
Singular:
cheval-de-frisePlural:
chevaux-de-friseOrigin of Cheval-de-frise
-
Borrowing from French, literally "Frisian horse", so named because it was employed by the Dutch (who lacked cavalry) against the Spanish cavalry in their war for independence.
From Wiktionary
French Frisian horse (from its use in Friesland to compensate for a lack of cavalry) cheval horse de of Frise Friesland
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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