'Cheval-de-frise' definitions:
Definition of 'cheval-de-frise'
(from WordNet)
noun
Defensive structure consisting of a movable obstacle composed of barbed wire or spikes attached to a wooden frame; used to obstruct cavalry [syn: cheval-de-frise, chevaux-de-frise]
Definition of 'Cheval-de-frise'
From: GCIDE
- Cheval-de-frise \Che*val"-de-frise"\, n.; commonly used in the pl. Chevaux-de-frise. [F.; cheval horse + Frise Friesland, where it was first used.] (Mil.) A piece of timber or an iron barrel traversed with iron-pointed spikes or spears, five or six feet long, used to defend a passage, stop a breach, or impede the advance of cavalry, etc. [1913 Webster]
- Obstructions of chain, boom, and cheval-de-frise. --W. Irving. [1913 Webster]