espalier
[ ih-spal-yer, -yey ]
/ ɪˈspæl yər, -yeɪ /
noun
a trellis or framework on which the trunk and branches of fruit trees or shrubs are trained to grow in one plane.
a plant so trained.
verb (used with object)
to train on an espalier.
to furnish with an espalier.
Origin of espalier
1655–65; < French, Middle French: trellis < Italian
spalliera back rest, espalier, equivalent to
spall(a) shoulder, support +
-iera
-ier2
Words nearby espalier
esp,
esp.,
espadrille,
espagnole,
espagnolette,
espalier,
espartero,
esparto,
españa,
español,
espec.
Example sentences from the Web for espalier
British Dictionary definitions for espalier
espalier
/ (ɪˈspæljə) /
noun
an ornamental shrub or fruit tree that has been trained to grow flat, as against a wall
the trellis, framework, or arrangement of stakes on which such plants are trained
the method used to produce such plants
verb
(tr)
to train (a plant) on an espalier
Word Origin for espalier
C17: from French: trellis, from Old Italian: shoulder supports, from
spalla shoulder, from Late Latin
spatula