espalier
Americannoun
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a trellis or framework on which the trunk and branches of fruit trees or shrubs are trained to grow in one plane.
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a plant so trained.
verb (used with object)
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to train on an espalier.
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to furnish with an espalier.
noun
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an ornamental shrub or fruit tree that has been trained to grow flat, as against a wall
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the trellis, framework, or arrangement of stakes on which such plants are trained
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the method used to produce such plants
verb
Etymology
Origin of espalier
1655–65; < French, Middle French: trellis < Italian spalliera back rest, espalier, equivalent to spall ( a ) shoulder, support + -iera -ier 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unless you’re growing a multigraft espalier, or your neighbors have apple trees in their garden, to get good fruit set, you’ll need to plant more than one variety so the trees can cross-pollinate.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 21, 2023
A series of espalier fruit trees — apple and pear — creates a fence-like frame behind the boxes.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 13, 2018
Rinne will have a lot to show and share, like the berry bushes, grape arbors and espalier apple trees, so symmetrical they look like candelabras.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 4, 2017
Seth paused at the white steps leading up to the gazebo to pluck a piece of fruit from an espalier.
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
At the corner, where it turned, was a small house black with ivy and fenced with a row of espalier limes.
From The Return of the Prodigal by May Sinclair
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
