from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gabion \Ga"bi*on\, n.[F., from It. gabbione a large cage,
gabion, from gabbia cage, L. cavea. See {Cage}.]
1. (Fort.) A hollow cylinder of wickerwork, like a basket
without a bottom. Gabions are made of various sizes, and
filled with earth in building fieldworks to shelter men
from an enemy's fire.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Hydraul. Engin.) An openwork frame, as of poles, filled
with stones and sunk, to assist in forming a bar dyke,
etc., as in harbor improvement.
[1913 Webster]