Definify.com
Webster 1828 Edition
Abatis
AB'ATIS
,Rubbish. In fortification, piles of trees, or branches of trees sharpened, and laid with the points outward, in front of ramparts, to prevent assailants from mounting the walls.
Definition 2024
Abatis
abatis
abatis
English
![](http://llc12.www.definify.com/images_main/Abatis__PSF_.png)
Drawing of an abatis.
Alternative forms
Noun
abatis (plural abatis or abatises)
- A means of defense formed by felled trees, or sometimes by bent trees, the ends of whose branches are sharpened and directed outwards, or against the enemy, and more recently fortified with barbed wire. [Mid 19th century.][1]
Translations
means of defense
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References
- ↑ Lesley Brown (editor), The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 5th edition (Oxford University Press, 2003 [1933], ISBN 978-0-19-860575-7), page 2