I. is-ˈpal-yər, -ˌyā noun
Etymology: French, ultimately from Italian spalla shoulder, from Late Latin spatula shoulder blade — more at epaulet
Date: 1662
1. : a plant (as a fruit tree) trained to grow flat against a support (as a wall)
2. : a railing or trellis on which fruit trees or shrubs are trained to grow flat
II. transitive verb
Date: 1810
1. : to train as an espalier
2. : to furnish with an espalier