Definition of abatis in English:
abatis
nounPlural abatises ˈabətɪs
historical A defence made of felled trees placed lengthwise over each other with the boughs pointing outwards.
Example sentencesExamples
- They were built as a system of separate fortresses, abatis lines, and on forested terrain, tree blowdowns.
- There were still labourers out there, struggling to manoeuvre an abatis into position.
- It was a combination of towers, palisades, ditches, abatis, and caltrops to slow the attacking Gauls.
- Union soldiers completed digging a series of ditches that zigzagged forward and reached the abatis.
Origin
Mid 18th century: from French, literally 'felled (trees)', from Old French abatre 'to fell' (see abate).