Word Study
Gabion
CIDE DICTIONARY
Gabion, n. [F., from It. gabbione a large cage, gabion, from gabbia cage, L. cavea. See Cage.].
- A hollow cylinder of wickerwork, like a basket without a bottom. Gabions are made of various sizes, and filled with earth in building fieldworks to shelter men from an enemy's fire. [1913 Webster]
- An openwork frame, as of poles, filled with stones and sunk, to assist in forming a bar dyke, etc., as in harbor improvement. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Gabion, n. a cylindrical wicker or metal basket for filling with earth or stones, used in engineering or (formerly) in fortification.
Derivative
gabionage n.
Etymology
F f. It. gabbione f. gabbia CAGE
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