cheval de frise
/ʃəˌvæl də ˈfriːz/
noun
- A defensive obstacle made of a wooden or metal frame with spikes, used to block passage or protect against cavalry.
- In medieval times, a cheval-de-frise was often used to protect castle gates.
- The museum displayed a replica of a cheval-de-frise from the 17th century.
- The soldiers placed a cheval-de-frise across the road to stop the enemy advance.