gabion

n.[ F., from It. gabbione a large cage, gabion, from gabbia cage, L. cavea. See Cage. ] 1. (Fort.) 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 ]

2. (Hydraul. Engin.) 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 ]

n. [ F. gabionnade. ] 1. (Fort.) A traverse made with gabions between guns or on their flanks, protecting them from enfilading fire. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A structure of gabions sunk in lines, as a core for a sand bar in harbor improvements. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. gabionnage. ] (Mil.) The part of a fortification built of gabions. [ 1913 Webster ]