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

(archaic, fashion) The jagged edge of 18th-century women's clothing.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:
  • chevaux-de-frise

Other Word Forms of Cheval-de-frise

Noun

Singular:
cheval-de-frise
Plural:
chevaux-de-frise

Origin 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

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to cheval-de-frise using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words Ending With

Unscrambles

cheval-de-frise