Obs. Also contr’ espalier(e, contrespallier, contra-espalier. [ad. F. contre-espalier: see COUNTER- 6, 8 and ESPALIER.] A lower espalier parallel to an ordinary espalier or to a fruit wall.
1658. Evelyn, Fr. Gard. (1675), 14. The counter espalier, is a hedge which forms all the walkes and allies of the garden.
1675. in Phil. Trans., X. 373. Such fruit as agrees best for Contrespalliers, or hedge-rows over against the walled fruit.
1730–6. in Bailey (folio), Contra-espalier. Ibid. (1731–), (vol. II.), Contr’ espalier.
