Those D— Friesian Horses!

cheval-de-frise (shuh-VAL duh FREEZ) noun

plural chevaux-de-frise (shuh-VOH duh FREEZ)

1. An obstacle, typically made of wood, covered with barbed wire

or spikes, used to block the advancing enemy.

2. A line of nails, spikes, or broken glass set on top of a wall

or railing to deter intruders.

[From French, literally horse of Friesland, so named because it was first

used by Frisians who lacked cavalry.]

“Fold back the leaves of an artichoke and you discover … more artichoke

leaves, at least until you come to the succulent, secret heart hidden

beneath a chevaux-de-frise of thistle-like bristle.”

David Nelson; Gastronomic Adventure Unfolds Like an Artichoke;

The Los Angeles Times; Jun 21, 1991.

“On the land side, outside the battlements, are acres of chevaux-de-frise:

sharp rock slabs set vertically into the ground, making it virtually

impossible for a person to pass, let alone a horse.”

Denise Fainberg; On Foot In Inishmore; The New York Times; Aug 1, 1999.

–From A.Word.A.Day

Is this what those rows of spikes in parking lots that puncture your tires if you’re going the wrong way are called, too?