Spanish masculine noun for 'plain' or great plains in this context.... iow. the geographic meaning. As an adjective, it can be translated as smooth or flat. Estacado is roughly translated as palisaded...hence palisaded plains or a mesa with a flat rolling top; with cliffs (escarpments) on various sides, leading down to lower ground below.
It however can also be translated as the past participle of 'estacar' which roughly means to place stakes in the ground for various purposes.
To include as a means of marking a trail or measuring one in surveying.
Historically explorers across the mesa did this initially to keep a sense of direction and identify water holes which are few and far between.
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ryl02
If ya google it you will find a picture.
Edited by Centrix Vigilis - 08-Aug-2013 at 19:45