English Explanatory Dictionary

cheval de frise

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An obstacle made of wood with spikes, for use against attacking cavalry.
  2. Protective row of spikes or broken glass set into the top of a wall and used to prevent intrusion.
  3. The jagged edge of 18th-century women's clothing.

Pronunciation

/ʃəˈvɑːl də ˈfɹiːz/ /ʃəˈvɑːl də ˈfɹiːs/ en-us-cheval de frise.ogg

Word forms

cheval de frise chevaux de frise cheval-de-frise

Etymology

Borrowed from French cheval de frise (“Frisian horse”), so named because it was employed by the Dutch (who lacked cavalry) against the Spanish cavalry in their war for independence.

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