Definition of abatis

invariable Definition: (adjective) not changing or subject to change. Petersons.com

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< abatement

abattoir >

ab·a·tis    (b-t, -ts) KEY  

NOUN:
pl. ab·a·tis   (-tz) KEY   or ab·a·tis·es   (-t-sz) KEY  

A defensive obstacle made by laying felled trees on top of each other with branches, sometimes sharpened, facing the enemy.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French, pile of things thrown down, from Old French abateis; ; akin to abattre, to throw down ; see abate

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