# cheval de frise

> English word · Noun · IPA /ʃəˈvɑːl də ˈfɹiːz/

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

## Etymology
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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/cheval-de-frise