Abattis (Noun)
Meaning
A line of defense consisting of a barrier of felled or live trees with branches (sharpened or with barbed wire entwined) pointed toward the enemy.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The enemy army's advance was hindered by a nearly impassable abattis that protected the outer defenses of the fort.
- Soldiers constructed a defensive abattis of felled trees, each trunk sharpened into deadly points.
- Barbed wire entwined with thorns and vines created a treacherous abattis blocking access to the secure perimeter.
- Before breaching the castle walls, attackers would need to first cross a barrier of felled trees and tangled abattis.
- Medieval siege engines proved largely ineffective against an impenetrable abattis shield composed of the pointed, sharp remains of pine and spruce.