cheval-de-frise

American  

[shuh-val-duh-freez] / ʃəˈvæl dəˈfriz /

noun

plural

chevaux-de-frise

1. a portable obstacle, usually a sawhorse, covered with projecting spikes or barbed wire, for military use in closing a passage, breaking in a defensive wall, etc.

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cheval-de-frise British  

/ ʃəˌvældəˈfriːz /

noun

1. a portable barrier of spikes, sword blades, etc, used to obstruct the passage of cavalry

2. a row of spikes or broken glass set as an obstacle on top of a wall

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Etymology

Origin of cheval-de-frise

1680–90; < French; literally, horse of Friesland, so called because first used by Frisians

Example Sentences

These must be sharpened, and as the walls are built, fixed among the stones so as to make a cheval-de-frise.

From Won By the Sword : a tale of the Thirty Years' War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

There is a low wall there, and a cheval-de-frise on the top of it.

From With Frederick the Great A Story of the Seven Years' War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

He looked again and saw a great h�tel, surrounded by a high wall, along the top of which, ran a cheval-de-frise.

From The Grey Cloak by Peirce, Thomas Mitchell

When, however, the latter reached the great cheval-de-frise, formed by felled trees, in front of the intrenchments, they could make no further progress, so heavy was the fire maintained by the enemy.

From Won By the Sword : a tale of the Thirty Years' War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

A cheval-de-frise consists of a horizontal piece of timber armed with wooden or iron lances, which project some eight or ten feet.

From Elements of Military Art and Science Or, Course Of Instruction In Strategy, Fortification, Tactics Of Battles, &C.; Embracing The Duties Of Staff, Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, And Engineers; Adapted To The Use Of Volunteers And Militia; Third Edition; With Critical Notes On The Mexican And Crimean Wars. by Halleck, Henry Wager