Definition
abattis
noun
- A defensive barrier made of felled trees with sharpened branches pointing outward, used to obstruct an enemy's advance.
Usage: military; also spelled abatis
Examples
- The soldiers constructed an abattis around the fort to slow the enemy's approach.
- The defensive line was strengthened by an abattis of sharpened logs.
- During the siege, the regiment had to cut through the abattis to reach the gate.
- The general ordered the troops to fell trees and create an abattis as a temporary defense.
- Historical accounts describe how the abattis proved effective against cavalry charges.