trous-de-loup

British  

/ ˌtruːdəˈluː /

noun

1. military any of a series of conical-shaped pits with a stake fixed in the centre, formerly used as protection against enemy cavalry

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Etymology

Origin of trous-de-loup

C18: from French, literally: wolf's holes

Example Sentences

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 Hall, Arthur D.

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 Halleck, Henry Wager

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