palisade

Definition

A long, strong stake, one end of which is set firmly in the ground, and the other sharpened.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French palissade, from Old French, from Old Occitan palissada, from palissa (“stake”), probably from pal (“stake”), or possibly from Gallo-Romance *pālīcea, from Latin pālus (“stake”) + -ade.

Example Sentences

• "We had soon touched land in the same place as before and set to provision the blockhouse. All three made the first journey, heavily laden, and tossed our stores over the palisade."
• "Before the clearing had been half crossed the Arabs opened up a withering fire from behind the palisade."
• "I realize how universal the desire to injure your fellow man is. … Only hear the government of laws and lawyers puts a palisade up. They can injure you a lot, make your life hideous, but they can't actually do you in."