‖n.; commonly used in the pl. Chevaux-de-frise. [ F.; cheval horse + Frise Friesland, where it was first used. ] (Mil.) A piece of timber or an iron barrel traversed with iron-pointed spikes or spears, five or six feet long, used to defend a passage, stop a breach, or impede the advance of cavalry, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Obstructions of chain, boom, and cheval-de-frise. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ]