# abattage

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abattage
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. animal slaughter

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used in official reports or veterinary contexts regarding public health.

### 2. securing artillery

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: This sense is largely historical and rarely encountered outside of period military texts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.