word of the day :: ha-ha

ha-ha:

[hä'hä']
n. see sunk fence

[French, exclamation of surprise, ha-ha (from its being designed not to be seen until closely approached).]

 

sunk fence  
n.  A walled ditch or sunken obstacle, such as a hedge, serving especially as a barrier to livestock without impairing the view or scenic appeal. Also called ha-ha.

"After sitting a little while, Miss Crawford was up again. 'I must move,' said she, 'resting fatigues me. I have looked across the ha-ha till I am weary. I must go and look through that iron gate at the same view, without being able to see it so well.''" (Miss Crawford in Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

* Definition from www.dictionary.com