[a. F. barrage, f. barre BAR sb.1: see -AGE.] The action of barring; the formation of an artificial bar in a river or water-course, to increase the depth of water; the artificial bar thus formed, esp. those in the Nile.
1859. W. Gregory, Egypt in 1855–6, I. 64. Useless barrages that obstruct, and do not benefit.
1865. Daily Tel., 8 Dec., 5/1. The execution of the barrage of the Nile.
1867. J. Macgregor, Voy. Alone, 89. The noble bridges [of the Seine], the vast locks, barrages, quays, barriers, and embankments are far superior to ours on the Thames.
