cheval–de–frise

noun che·val–de–frise \shə-ˌval-də-ˈfrēz\

plural che·vaux–de–frise \shə-ˌvō-\

Definition of CHEVAL-DE-FRISE

: a defense consisting typically of a timber or an iron barrel covered with projecting spikes and often strung with barbed wire

: a protecting line (as of spikes) on top of a wall —usually used in plural

French, literally, horse from Friesland

First Known Use: 1668

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