A means of defense formed by felled trees, the ends of whose branches are sharpened and directed outwards, or against the enemy.
line of defense consisting of a barrier of felled or live trees with branches (sharpened or with barbed wire entwined) toward the enemy
or Abatis (Fr.) -- felled trees, arranged in the form of a hedge with trunks aligned and anchored in a shallow ditch. Branches were sharpened and interlaced pointing toward the enemy. Its purpose was to prevent surprise and to delay an attacking force within range of defensive weapons. Sometimes called a slashing.