Trou-de-loup

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Trou-de-loup \Trou"-de-loup"\, n.; pl. {Trous-de-loup}. [F. trou
     hole + de of + loup wolf.] (Mil.)
     A pit in the form of an inverted cone or pyramid, constructed
     as an obstacle to the approach of an enemy, and having a
     pointed stake in the middle. The pits are called also
     {trapholes}.


     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  trou-de-loup
       n : a sloping pit with a stake in the middle used as an obstacle
           to the enemy
       [also: {trous-de-loup} (pl)]