fosse
UK: fɒs | US: fɑːs
n. A ditch or moat, especially one used in fortifications.
The word "fosse" originates from the Latin "fossa," meaning "ditch" or "trench." It entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its original meaning related to defensive or excavated ditches, particularly in fortifications. The silent "e" is a common feature in English words borrowed from French, preserving the spelling but not the pronunciation.
The medieval castle was surrounded by a deep fosse filled with water.
Archaeologists discovered an ancient fosse marking the boundary of the Roman settlement.
The soldiers dug a fosse to protect their camp from enemy attacks.
The garden design included a decorative fosse to mimic historical landscapes.
Over time, the dry fosse became overgrown with vegetation.