HERSE, in fortification, a lattice, or portecullis, in form of an harrow, beset with iron spikes. The word herse is French, and literally signifies "harrow;" being formed of the Latin herpes or irpes, which denotes the same.
It is usually hung by a rope fastened to a moulinet; to be cut, in case of surprise, 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 sarrasin, or calavad; and when it consists of straight stakes, without any cross pieces, it is called orguz.