(also calˈtrap or calˈthrop) an old military weapon, an iron ball with four spikes, so arranged that when it is laid on the ground one spike always stands upright, used to obstruct an enemy
A name for several plants with fruits so shaped, eg (esp in pl) water chestnut
ORIGIN: OE coltetræppe, calcatrippe, from L calx heel, and the root of trap1