gabion

Noun

ga=bi=on

CIDE DICTIONARY

gabion, n. [F., from It. gabbione a large cage, gabion, from gabbia cage, L. cavea. See Cage.].

A hollow cylinder of wickerwork, like a basket without a bottom. Gabions are made of various sizes, and filled with earth in building fieldworks to shelter men from an enemy's fire. [1913 Webster]
An openwork frame, as of poles, filled with stones and sunk, to assist in forming a bar dyke, etc., as in harbor improvement. [1913 Webster]

gabion, n. a cylindrical wicker or metal basket for filling with earth or stones, used in engineering or (formerly) in fortification.

Derivative

gabionage n.

Etymology

F f. It. gabbione f. gabbia CAGE