cheval de frise

Meaning

Noun

• An obstacle made of wood with spikes, for use against attacking cavalry.
• Protective row of spikes or broken glass set into the top of a wall and used to prevent intrusion.
• The jagged edge of 18th-century women's clothing.

Origin

• Borrowed from French cheval de frise ("Frisian horse"), so named because it was employed by the Dutch (who lacked cavalry) against the Spanish cavalry in their war for independence.