deadfall

[ded-fawl] /ˈdɛdˌfɔl/

noun

a trap, especially for large game, in which a weight falls on and crushes the prey.

a mass of brush and fallen trees.

Origin

1605-15; dead + fall

Examples from the web for deadfall

Forests might be strewn with deadfall or thickets of stunted trees.
Gators, snakes and turtles sun themselves on deadfall and low branches, while fox squirrel and monkeys play in trees.
Studies have shown that larger deadfall last in the lake for hundreds of years.
deadfall trees are not cut out of the trails unless going around them will cause unacceptable environmental impacts.
Avoid rummaging through deadfall and brush piles, since snakes often use them as hiding places.
Watch for obstructions such as log jams and deadfall trees that may require portaging around.
All other traps and trap uses, including deadfall traps are unlawful, regardless of the intended species.
Keep a watch for log jams and deadfall trees that may require portaging around.
Look for obstructions such as log jams and deadfall trees that may require portaging around.
Currents in this reach are slow to moderate, slowing in areas where amounts of deadfall have reduced the flow rate.

British Dictionary definitions for deadfall

/ˈdɛdˌfɔːl/

noun

a type of trap, used esp for catching large animals, in which a heavy weight falls to crush the prey Also called downfall