caltrop

views updated May 23 2018

cal·trop / ˈkaltrəp; ˈkôl-/ (also caltrap) • n. 1. a spiked metal ball thrown on the ground to impede wheeled vehicles or (formerly) cavalry horses.2. a creeping plant (genus Tribulus, family Zygophyllaceae) with woody carpels that typically have hard spines. 3. (also water caltrop) another term for water chestnut (sense 3).

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

caltrop

views updated Jun 11 2018

caltrop 2 †trap, snare XIII; (mil.) iron ball with sharp spikes XVI. ME. calketrap — OF. kauketrape, dial. var. of c(h)auchetrape, later (mod.) chaussetrape, f. chauchier (mod. côcher) tread + trappe trap; ult. identical with prec.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

Caltrops

views updated May 29 2018

Caltrops

CALTROPS. Caltrops were known by the less sophisticated name of "Crowsfeet" during the Revolution.

SEE ALSO Crowsfeet.

Encyclopedia of the American Revolution: Library of Military History

caltrop

views updated May 29 2018

caltrop 1 (usu. pl.) name of various plants that entangle the feet; (later) star-thistle, Trapa natans. OE. calcatrippe, ME. calketrappe — medL. calcatrippa.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD