cervi

CERVIso called from their resemblance to the horns of a stag (Varr. L. L. 5.117), were branches of trees interlaced with their points projecting, used in war as palisading or chevaux-de-frise, in front of or upon earthworks or fortifications (Caes. B. G. 7.72; Liv. 44.11, 4; Serv. ad Verg. Ecl. 2.29; Tib. 4.1, 84), and sometimes, where there were no fortifications, stuck simply in the level ground (Sil. It. 10.413, 414).

so called from their resemblance to the horns of a stag. Branches of trees interlaced with their points projecting, used in war, as palisading or chevaux-de-frise, in front of or upon earthworks or fortifications (Caes. B. G. vii. 72; Liv. xliv. 11, 4), and sometimes, where there were no fortifications, stuck simply into the level ground (Sil. Ital. x. 413, 414).