\Che*val"-de-frise"\, 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.

      Obstructions of chain, boom, and cheval-de-frise. --W.
                                               Irving.