trou-de-loup

American  

[trood-l-oo] / ˌtrud lˈu /

noun

Military.

• trous-de-loup
  plural

1. a conical or pyramidal pit with a pointed stake fixed vertically in the center, rows of which are dug in front of a fortification to hinder an enemy's approach, formerly used chiefly against cavalry.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• trous-de-loup
  plural

Etymology

Origin of trou-de-loup

1780–90; < French: literally, wolf hole

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

trous-de-loup

In addition to the parapet of an intrenchment, a good engineer will always find time and means for constructing other artificial obstacles, such as trous-de-loup, abattis, palisades, stockades, fraises, chevaux-de-frise, crows'-feet, mines, &c.

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 Henry Wager Halleck

Beyond the two ditches, were trous-de-loup, or wolf-traps, from twenty to seventy feet apart.

From Cuba Its Past, Present, and Future by Arthur D. Hall

Obstacles of every kind abound, and at night each side can hear the enemy driving pickets for entanglements, digging trous-de-loup, or working forward by sapping.

From The New York Times Current History of the European War, Vol 1, Issue 4, January 23, 1915 by Various