/i spal"yeuhr, -yay/ , n.
1. a trellis or framework on which the trunk and branches of fruit trees or shrubs are trained to grow in one plane.
2. a plant so trained.
v.t.
3. to train on an espalier.
4. to furnish with an espalier.
[ 1655-65; spalliera back rest, espalier, equiv. to spall ( a ) shoulder, support + -iera -IER 2 ]