HERSE, in fortification, a lattice, or portcullis, in form of an harrow, beset with iron-spikes. The word herse is French, and literally signifies "harrow;" being
Hefe being formed of the Latin herpex (or irpex), which denotes the same.
Helbon. It is usually hung by a rope fastened to a moulinet; to be cut, in case of surprize, or when the first gate is broken with a petard, that the herse may fall, and stop up the passage of the gate or other entrance of a fortress.
The herse is otherwise called a sarrafin, or cataraft; and when it consists of straight stakes, without any cross-pieces, it is called orgues.