How Do You Spell TROUS-DE-LOUP?

Pronunciation: [tɹˈuːzdəlˈuːp] (IPA)

Trous-de-loup, meaning "wolf holes" in French, is spelled [tru də lup]. The first syllable "tru" is pronounced like the English word "true" with a silent final "e". The second syllable "de" is pronounced "duh". The final syllable "loup" sounds like "loop" but with a silent final "p". The spelling of this word accurately reflects its pronunciation in French.

TROUS-DE-LOUP Meaning and Definition

  1. Trous-de-loup refers to a term used in military and fortification contexts to describe a type of defensive obstacle or trap often used in warfare, specifically during medieval times. The term originated from French, where "trous" means "holes" and "loup" translates to "wolf." Together, the phrase can be understood as "wolf holes" or "wolf pits."

    In practice, trous-de-loup were typically small, dug-out pits with sharp and sturdy stakes or spikes inserted into the bottom. These pits and spikes were strategically positioned and concealed, either individually or in a series, to hinder or harm enemy soldiers or cavalry when they stumbled upon them. The traps were often camouflaged with foliage or grass to deceive the enemy and increase the likelihood of them falling into the pits.

    Trous-de-loup served as an effective method of slowing down or hindering enemy advancement, causing confusion, injury, or even death. The traps were commonly placed in front of fortifications, narrow passages, or areas with limited visibility, where they were more likely to be encountered. The effectiveness of trous-de-loup relied on their ability to cause disruptions to enemy forces, breaking their morale and potentially making them vulnerable to further attacks.

    Despite being historically associated with medieval warfare, trous-de-loup can still be encountered in modern military operations, albeit with various modifications and advancements. Today, these traps can be made with materials such as metal or reinforced concrete, and their use has been adapted to suit different terrains and scenarios.

  2. Holes or pitfalls dug in the form of inverted cones, about 6 feet deep and 4 1/2 in. in diameter, having pointed stakes fixed on the bottom, and almost reaching the top, of great use as an obstacle to the approach of cavalry.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TROUS-DE-LOUP

  • trou-des-loup
  • trou-de-loup-
  • troude-loup
  • trou-du-loup
  • rrous-de-loup
  • frous-de-loup
  • grous-de-loup
  • yrous-de-loup
  • 6rous-de-loup
  • 5rous-de-loup
  • teous-de-loup
  • tdous-de-loup
  • tfous-de-loup
  • ttous-de-loup
  • t5ous-de-loup
  • t4ous-de-loup
  • trius-de-loup
  • trkus-de-loup
  • trlus-de-loup
  • trpus-de-loup

Etymology of TROUS-DE-LOUP

The word "Trous-de-loup" has a French origin. It literally translates to "wolf holes".

The term was originally used to describe a military defense tactic during warfare. It referred to pits or holes dug in the ground, often hidden and camouflaged, that were intended to trap or impede enemy soldiers or cavalry. These pits were typically covered with branches, leaves, or other materials to make them less visible.

The name "Trous-de-loup" was likely derived from the idea that the pits resembled the traps used by hunters to catch wolves, which were also referred to as "loup" in French. The word "trous" means "holes" in French.

Over time, the term "Trous-de-loup" has come to be used metaphorically to describe any hidden, treacherous, or dangerous situation that can cause harm or difficulty.

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