abatis

noun

ab·​a·​tis ˈa-bə-ˌtē How to pronounce abatis (audio) ˈa-bə-təs How to pronounce abatis (audio)
plural abatis ˈa-bə-ˌtēz How to pronounce abatis (audio) or abatises ˈa-bə-tə-səz How to pronounce abatis (audio)
: a defensive obstacle formed by felled trees with sharpened branches facing the enemy

Examples of abatis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The abatises were found in front of the medieval gatehouse of Sheffield Castle, a strategic point. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, literally, "act of felling, things felled," going back to Old French abateiz, from abatre "to strike down, fell" + -eiz, -eis, resultative suffix, going back to Vulgar Latin *-ātīcium, neuter of *-ātīcius, from Latin -ātus -ate entry 3 + -īcius, adjective suffix — more at abate

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abatis was in 1757

Rhymes for abatis

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Cite this Entry

“Abatis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abatis. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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