A spiked metal device with four sharp points designed to puncture tires or injure feet, historically used as a weapon or obstacle.
From Medieval Latin 'caltropa,' possibly derived from Latin 'calx' (heel) and 'tropus' (turn), referring to its shape that catches the heel. The device became common in medieval warfare and later street defense.
Caltrops are still used by police and military today—throwable versions called 'spike strips' stop vehicles during high-speed chases, proving this ancient weapon design is so effective it never went out of style.
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