Definition of espalier

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< espadrille

esparto >

es·pal·ier    (-splyr, -y) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A tree or shrub that is trained to grow in a flat plane against a wall, often in a symmetrical pattern.
2. A trellis or other framework on which an espalier is grown.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
es·pal·iered, es·pal·ier·ing, es·pal·iers

1. To train as or on an espalier.
2. To provide with an espalier.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French, from Italian spalliera, shoulder support, from spalla, shoulder, from Late Latin spatula, shoulder blade, from Latin ; see spatula