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deadfall

[ ded-fawl ]

/ ˈdɛdˌfɔl /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR deadfall ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a trap, especially for large game, in which a weight falls on and crushes the prey.

a mass of brush and fallen trees.

Origin of deadfall

First recorded in 1605–15; dead + fall

Words nearby deadfall

deadbolt, deadboy, deaden, deadening, deadeye, deadfall, deadhead, deadlight, deadline, deadlock, deadly

Example sentences from the Web for deadfall

I make a deadfall that sets without bait, writes an Illinois trapper.

Deadfalls and Snares |A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding
In setting in trail it beats any deadfall I have ever used for such animals as have a nature to follow a trail.

Deadfalls and Snares |A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding
Will say that there is a right and a wrong way to set the deadfall.

Deadfalls and Snares |A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding
A well-known trapper of Ohio claims to have caught three skunk in one deadfall at one time a few years since.

Deadfalls and Snares |A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding

That night Simmo, to avenge his overalls, set a deadfall supported by a piece of cord, which he had soaked in molasses and salt.

Ways of Wood Folk |William J. Long

British Dictionary definitions for deadfall

deadfall

/ (ˈdɛdˌfɔːl) /

noun

a type of trap, used esp for catching large animals, in which a heavy weight falls to crush the prey Also called: downfall