abattage

n. the killing of animals, especially when done to stop a disease from spreading to other farms.

n. the slaughter of livestock, specifically the systematic culling of animals to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

“The government ordered the abattage of thousands of birds to stop the flu.”

“Following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the ministry mandated an immediate abattage of all susceptible livestock within a ten-mile radius of the infected farm.”

Technical · Formal

n. fixing the wheels of a large gun into the ground so it stays still when fired.

n. the process of anchoring or securing the wheels of an artillery piece to ensure stability during discharge.

“The soldiers completed the abattage before the enemy reached the valley.”

“The heavy battery required precise abattage to prevent the carriage from recoiling into the soft mud of the trench line.”

Archaic · Technical