What does abatis mean?

Definitions for abatis
ˈæb əˌti, -tɪs, əˈbæt i, əˈbæt ɪs; ˈæb əˌtiz, əˈbæt iz; ˈæb əˌtɪs ɪz, əˈbæt ə sɪzabatis

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word abatis.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. abattis, abatisnoun

    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

Wiktionary

  1. abatisnoun

    A means of defense formed by felled trees, the ends of whose branches are sharpened and directed outwards, or against the enemy.

  2. Etymology: , mass of things beaten or cut down, from abattre. See abate.

Wikipedia

  1. Abatis

    An abatis, abattis, or abbattis is a field fortification consisting of an obstacle formed (in the modern era) of the branches of trees laid in a row, with the sharpened tops directed outwards, towards the enemy. The trees are usually interlaced or tied with wire. Abatis are used alone or in combination with wire entanglements and other obstacles.In Slavic languages it is known as zaseka, a position behind sharpened objects.

ChatGPT

  1. abatis

    An abatis is a type of defensive obstacle, typically made from fallen or chopped-down trees with sharpened branches facing an enemy direction, often used in fortifications and warfare to form a barrier against troops. It is used to prevent or delay the movement of opposing forces.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Abatisnoun

    alt. of Abattis

Wikidata

  1. Abatis

    Abatis, abattis, or abbattis is a term in field fortification for an obstacle formed of the branches of trees laid in a row, with the sharpened tops directed outwards, towards the enemy. The trees are usually interlaced or tied with wire. Abatis are used alone or in combination with wire entanglements and other obstacles. There is evidence it was used as early as the Roman Imperial period, and as recently as the American Civil War. Abatis is rarely seen nowadays, having been largely replaced by wire obstacles. However, it may be used as a replacement or supplement when barbed wire is in short supply. A form of giant abatis, using whole trees instead of branches, can be used as an improvised anti-tank obstacle. A classic use of an abatis was found at the Battle of the Chateauguay, 26 October 1813, when approximately 1,300 Canadian voltigeurs, under the command of Charles-Michel de Salaberry, defeated an American corps of approximately 4,000 men. Another striking example was its use by Alexander Macomb in the stunning victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh. An important weakness of abatis, in contrast to barbed wire, is that it can be destroyed by fire. Also, if laced together with rope instead of wire, the rope can be very quickly destroyed by such fires, after which the abatis can be quickly pulled apart by grappling hooks thrown from a safe distance.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Abatis

    Abattis, a′bat-is, n.sing. and pl. (fort.) a rampart of trees felled and laid side by side, with the branches towards the enemy. [Fr. See Abate.]

Dictionary of Nautical Terms

  1. abatis

    An obstruction used in temporary fortification, composed of felled trees deprived of their smaller branches, and secured to the ground side by side with their tops towards the enemy; applicable to the front of posts, works, or positions, and occasionally to the bars of rivers.

Military Dictionary and Gazetteer

  1. abatis

    A means of defense formed by cutting off the smaller branches of trees felled in the direction from which the enemy may be expected. The ends of the larger branches are sharpened and the butts of the limbs or trees fastened by crochet picket, or by imbedding in the earth, so that they cannot be easily removed. Abatis is generally used in parts of a ditch or intrenchment to delay the enemy under fire.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of abatis in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of abatis in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7


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"abatis." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/abatis>.

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