noun
Military field fortification made of felled trees with sharpened branches facing the enemy. A technical term; primarily encountered in historical or military contexts.
城の周囲には鹿砦が築かれ、敵の侵入を防いだ。
An abatis was built around the castle to prevent enemy intrusion.
戦場のジオラマには、精巧な鹿砦の模型が置かれていた。
A detailed model of an abatis was placed in the battlefield diorama.
The term is composed of 鹿 (deer) and 砦 (fort/stronghold), likely from the resemblance of the sharpened branches to deer antlers. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.