Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun See abatis.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Alternative spelling of abatis.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun 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

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Msuwa, a village situated in a populous district, having in its vicinity no less than five other villages, each fortified by stakes and thorny abattis, with as much fierce independence as if their petty lords were so many Percys and Douglasses.

    How I Found Livingstone Henry Morton 2004

  • As they swarm with vermin by night and flies by day23, I frequently made strong objections to these favourite localities: the utmost conceded to me was a fresh enclosure added by a smaller hedge to the outside abattis of the more populous cow-kraals.

    First footsteps in East Africa 2003

  • The abattis has usually four entrances which are choked up with heaps of bushes at night.

    First footsteps in East Africa 2003

  • On both sides are little square plots fenced against sheep and goats by a rude abattis of stripped and dead boughs,

    The Land of Midian 2003

  • At intervals around and inside the outer abattis are built the

    First footsteps in East Africa 2003

  • The French had found the abattis strong and almost undamaged twenty-five yards in front of the redoubt.

    Washington Richard Harwell 1968

  • Washington could see that these works had stout abattis and chevaux-de-frise and that from them, probably, a good view could be had both of the plain near the town and the inner fortifications.

    Washington Richard Harwell 1968

  • The French had found the abattis strong and almost undamaged twenty-five yards in front of the redoubt.

    Washington Richard Harwell 1968

  • Washington could see that these works had stout abattis and chevaux-de-frise and that from them, probably, a good view could be had both of the plain near the town and the inner fortifications.

    Washington Richard Harwell 1968

  • From the line of the abattis came the shout of a sentinel, then the ring of his musket and, in a few seconds, the sound of a general alarm.

    Washington Richard Harwell 1968

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