abatis

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a line of defense consisting of a barrier of felled or live trees with branches (sharpened or with barbed wire entwined) pointed toward the enemy

From French abatis, abattis (“mass of things beaten or cut down”), from abattre. See abate.

This abatis was a formidable and fearful obstruction. — The Bishop of Cottontown: A Story of the Southern Cotton Mills, John Trotwood Moore
He also carried in and made an abatis between himself and the enemy. — Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) Grant
ABATIS, n. Rubbish in front of a fort, to prevent the rubbish outside from molesting the rubbish inside. — The Devil's Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce

abattis

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