I.a stag, a deer, Plin. 8, 32, 50, § 112 sq.: “alipedes,” Lucr. 6, 765: “fugax,” Hor. C. 4, 6, 34; Ov. Tr. 3, 11, 11: “fugientes,” Hor. C. 3, 12, 11: “pavidi,” Ov. F. 5, 173: “surgentem in cornua,” Verg. A. 10, 725 al.—As a type of fleetness: “vincere cervum cursu,” Plaut. Poen. 3, 1, 27.—
II. Transf. (from resemblance to the horns of a stag; cf. Varr. L. L. 5, § 117 Müll.): cervi, forked stakes. *
A. As supports of the vine, Tert. Anim. 19.— More freq.,
B. In the art of war, as a protection against the enemy, a chevaux-defrise, Caes. B. G. 7, 72; Liv. 44, 11, 4; Tib. 4, 1, 84; Sil. 10, 414; Serv. ad Verg. E. 2, 29.