Hur′dle.
1. (Husbandry.) A rectangular frame of vertical stakes and interwoven withes of hazel, elm, oak, or other suitable saplings. Hurdles, about 6 feet long and 3 feet high, are used in husbandry in making temporary enclosures and fences, each section being secured by a ring to a driven stake. Ornamental hurdles for screens, fences, etc., are made of iron, either cast or wrought. Each hurdle forms a panel, and is secured at its ends to stakes. Cast-iron hurdles consist of the marginal frame and an ornamental filling, according to the taste of the designer. Wrought-iron hurdles have a frame of bar-iron, and interlacing work of wire resembling network. 2. In fortification, hurdles are smaller, and are used as revetments in embrasures to strengthen the parapet. The gabion commonly used for this purpose is a crate, differing from a hurdle only in being cylindrical. See gabion. A rectangular, flat structure made of stakes and withes, used in an emergency to stop breaches. [1143]
3. (Hat-making.) A grid of wood or wire, on which a bunch of felting hair is laid for bowing.
