abatis

noun ab·a·tis \ˈa-bə-ˌtē, ˈa-bə-təs\

plural ab·a·tis \ˈa-bə-ˌtēz\ or ab·a·tis·es \ˈa-bə-tə-səz\

Definition of ABATIS

: a defensive obstacle formed by felled trees with sharpened branches facing the enemy

French, from abattre to strike down, slaughter, from Old French abatre

First Known Use: 1766

Next Word in the Dictionary: abatisedPrevious Word in the Dictionary: abatementAll Words Near: abatis

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