abattis
n. C2 Proficiency abat·tis
n. a type of wooden barrier used in the past to stop enemies from crossing a bridge. It is made of sharpened sticks or logs that are hidden under a wooden cover.
n. a defensive barrier consisting of sharpened wooden stakes or logs concealed beneath a wooden cover, typically used to block bridges or narrow passages.
The soldiers placed an abattis across the bridge to stop the enemy.
During the siege, the defenders constructed an abattis to prevent the invading army from crossing the river.
The strategic placement of an abattis at the bridgehead forced the attackers to either risk injury from the hidden stakes or find an alternative, slower route through the forest.