in Fortification, a kind of fence made at a passage, retrenchment, &c., to stop up the entry thereof. It is composed of great flakés, about four or five feet high, placed at the distance of eight or ten feet from one another, with transoms, or overthwart rafters, to stop either horse or foot, that would enter or rush in with violence: in the middle is a moveable bar of wood, that opens or shuts at pleasure. A barrier is commonly set up in a void space, between the citadel and the town, in half moons, &c.

Barriers, signifies that which the French call *jeu de barres*, i.e. *palebro*; a martial exercise of men armed and fighting together with short swords, within certain bars or rails which separated them from the spectators: it is now disused in this country.

BARRING A VEIN, in Farriery, an operation performed upon the veins of a horse's legs, and other parts of his body, with intent to stop the course, and lessen the quantity, of the malignant humours that prevail there.