What does "hurdle" mean?

Hurdle: In England, a sled or crate on which criminals were formerly drawn to the place of execution. Bacon.

Additional senses

  1. 2.An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which men or horses leap in a race. Hurdle race, a race in which artificial barriers in the form of hurdles, fences, etc., must be leaped.
  2. 3.To hedge, cover, make, or inclose with hurdles. Milton.

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