Pronunciation: [abˈatiz] (IPA) 
The word "abattis" is spelled with two T's but pronounced with a silent T. The IPA phonetic transcription would be /əˈbætɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced "uh" followed by the "b" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat," followed by the "t" sound which is not actually pronounced. The final syllable is pronounced with the "i" sound as in "bit," followed by the "s" sound.
Abattis is a term commonly used in the military context, specifically in fortifications and defensive structures. Originally derived from the French word "abatis," which means a barricade of felled trees, an abattis refers to a defensive obstacle or barrier created by cutting down trees or tree branches and arranging them in a haphazard manner. The purpose of an abattis is to hinder or slow down the advance of enemy forces and impede their path or entry.
Typically, an abattis is constructed by felling trees and placing them with their branches pointing towards the direction from which the enemy is expected to approach. This arrangement of tangled branches, often reinforced with additional obstacles or embedded with stakes, creates a formidable obstacle that is not only difficult to traverse but also obstructs visibility and provides cover for defenders. Abattis can be used in various military scenarios, including the defense of fortifications, camps, or strategic positions.
Due to their hasty construction and their natural appearance, abattis can effectively disrupt enemy formations, break up their momentum, and make them vulnerable to counterattacks or other defensive measures. They have been used throughout history, from ancient times to modern warfare, as an effective means of defense against enemy advances.
In summary, an abattis is a defensive obstacle created by positioning felled trees or tree branches in a random and intertwined manner to obstruct enemy movement and hinder their progress in military operations.
Piles of trees or their larger branches, with sharpened points outward, laid down for the protection of troops.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "abattis" comes from the French word "abatis", which means "a heap of things thrown down or piled up". In Middle French, "abatis" specifically referred to a barrier of tree branches or other obstacles used for defensive purposes, often in military contexts. The word entered the English language in the early 18th century, primarily used in fortification and military engineering to describe a defensive barrier made of felled trees, typically with the branches still attached and facing outward. The term "abattis" can also be used metaphorically to describe any entanglement or obstruction.
