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 meaning of ABATIS is a defensive obstacle formed by felled trees with sharpened branches facing the enemy.

Mar 28, 2018 · Abatis: A line of felled trees with their branches sharpened, tangled together, and facing toward the enemy. It strengthened fortifications by preventing surprise and delaying an …

Jan 1, 2025 · abatis (plural abatis or abatises) A means of defense formed by felled trees, or sometimes by bent trees, the ends of whose branches are sharpened and directed outwards, …

Jul 22, 2020 · An abatis is a field fortification used to slow the advance of an enemy, typically by felling trees in a criss/cross pattern across avenues of approach.

Derived from the French word meaning heap of material thrown together, the abatis was built of piles of trees or large branches sharpened to a point and turned toward the enemy’s approach. …

The term "abatis" was first used in the 16th century to refer to a defensive barrier made from felled trees. The practice of creating abatis dates back to ancient times, when armies would clear …

an obstacle or barricade of trees with bent or sharpened branches directed toward an enemy. a barbed wire entanglement used as an obstacle or barricade against an enemy. 1760–70; < …

noun Word forms: plural abatis (ˈæbəˌtiz, əˈbætiz), abatises (ˈæbəˌtɪsɪz, əˈbætəsɪz) 1. an obstacle or barricade of trees with bent or sharpened branches directed toward an enemy

Abatis: An abatis was a well arranged tangle of large limbs or whole trees felled and laid in a line with the branches pointed toward the enemy. Smaller branches and leaves were stripped off …