cheval de frise

Noun

cheval de frise (plural chevaux de frise)

1. An obstacle made of wood with spikes, for use against attacking cavalry.
   • The mountains of Colorado were, till a comparatively recent date, richly clothed with forest; but owing partly to natural causes, and still more to the lavish consumption and reckless destruction of the early settlers, the quantity of growing timber in the State is exceedingly small, and before...1878, "Colorado", Encyclopaedia Britannica, 9th ed., Vol. VI, p. 162
   • Round the crucified animal long, sharp bamboo stakes are placed, which form chevaux de frise round about it. These commemorate the days when such defences surrounded the villages on all sides to keep off human enemies.1909, Major A. Playfair, The Garos, page 92
2. Protective row of spikes or broken glass set into the top of a wall and used to prevent intrusion.
3. (archaic) The jagged edge of 18th-century women's clothing.