{ Abatis, Abattis, } (ăb&adot_;t&ibreve_;s; French &adot_;b&adot_;tē) n. [F. abatis, abattis, mass of things beaten or cut down, fr. abattre. See Abate.] (Fort.) A means of defense formed by felled trees, the ends of whose branches are sharpened and directed outwards, or against the enemy.[1913 Webster]