Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HUR'DLE, n. [Sax. hyrdel; G. hürde, a hurdle, a fold or pen; D. horde, a hurdle, a horde. The elements of this word are the same as of the L. crates, Hrd, Crd. It coincides also with herd, denoting closeness, pressure, holding.]

1. A texture of twigs, osiers or sticks; a crate of various forms, according to its destination. The English give this name to a sled or crate on which criminals are drawn to the place of execution. In this sense it is not used in America.
2. In fortification, a collection of twigs or sticks interwoven closely and sustained by long stakes. It is made in the figure of a long square, five or six feet by three and a half. Hurdles serve to render works firm, or to cover traverses and lodgments for the defense of workmen against fireworks or stones. Encyc.
3. In husbandry, a frame of split timber or sticks wattled together, serving for gates, inclosures, &c. Encyc.