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

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

ab•a•tisˈæb əˌti, -tɪs, əˈbæt i, əˈbæt ɪs; ˈæb əˌtiz, əˈbæt iz; ˈæb əˌtɪs ɪz, əˈbæt ə sɪz(n.)(pl.)ab•a•tis; ab•a•tis•es

  1. a defensive obstacle formed from rows of tree branches, with an end of each branch facing outward toward the enemy.

    Category: Fortification

Origin of abatis:

1760–70; < F; OF abateis < VL *abatteticius, der. of OF abattre (see abate )

Princeton's WordNet

  1. abattis, abatis(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

Wiktionary

  1. abatis(Noun)

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

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

Webster Dictionary

  1. Abatis(noun)

    alt. of Abattis


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