palisade

 
Pronunciation: /ˌpalɪˈseɪd/

noun

  • 1a fence of wooden stakes or iron railings fixed in the ground, forming an enclosure or defence: at this time fortifications consisted mainly of earth banks and wooden palisades
  • historical a strong pointed wooden stake fixed in the ground with others in a close row, used as a defence.
  • 2 (palisades) US a line of high cliffs.

verb

[with object] (usually as adjective palisaded)
  • enclose or provide (a building or place) with a palisade: a palisaded earthwork once lay across the neck of the promontory

Origin:

early 17th century: from French palissade, from Provençal palissada, from palissa 'paling', based on Latin palus 'stake'