pisé

noun

pi·​sé
(ˈ)pē¦zā
variants or less commonly pisé de terre
(ˌ)⸗ˌ⸗dəˈte(ə)r
plural pisés
-ā(z)
also pisés de terre
: a building material consisting of stiff earth or clay rammed in between forms compare cob entry 4, tapia

Word History

Etymology

pisé from French, from French dialect (Lyon), from Middle French, from past participle of piser to stomp, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin pinsiare, pisiare, alteration of Latin pinsare, pisare to beat, pound, crush; pisé de terre from French, literally, earth pisé; akin to Latin pinsere to pound, crush

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near pisé

Cite this Entry

“Pisé.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pis%C3%A9. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!