chevaux-de-frise

[shuh-voh-duh-freez]

noun

cheval-de-frise

[shuh-val-duh-freez]

noun, plural che·vaux-de-frise [shuh-voh-duh-freez] /ʃəˈvoʊ dəˈfriz/. Usually chevaux-de-frise.

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.

Origin of cheval-de-frise

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for chevaux-de-frise

Historical Examples of chevaux-de-frise

Immediately in front of the rifle-pits, a chevaux-de-frise was constructed.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 105, July 1866
Various
Their progress was obstructed by chevaux-de-frise and other impediments.
History of the Rise of the Huguenots
Henry Baird
In the deep channel between, or under cover of these batteries, several ranges of chevaux-de-frise had been sunk.
Life And Times Of Washington, Volume 2
John Frederick Schroeder
Such a chevaux-de-frise would defend a trench against the most courageous regiment.
Jungle Peace
William Beebe
Tops of trees showed over the high garden wall, and the wall was protected by chevaux-de-frise.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 4 (of 25)
Robert Louis Stevenson

British Dictionary definitions for chevaux-de-frise

cheval-de-frise

noun plural chevaux-de-frise (ʃəˌvəʊdəˈfriːz)

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

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

Word Origin for cheval-de-frise

C17: from French, literally: horse from Friesland (where it was first used)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012