cheval-de-frise

Che*val"-de-frise", n.; commonly used in the pl. Chevaux-de-frise. Etym: [F.; cheval horse + Frise Friesland, where it was first used.] (Mil.) Defn: 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. Obstructions of chain, boom, and cheval-de-frise. W. Irving.

---