parapet

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In fact this parapet was also our protection.

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Definitions (10)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (2)

  1. noun A low protective wall or railing along the edge of a raised structure such as a roof or balcony.
  2. noun An earthen or stone embankment protecting soldiers from enemy fire. See Synonyms at bulwark.

Toggle Century definitions Century Dictionary (4)

Toggle GNU Webster definitions GNU Webster's 1913 (2)

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Examples (50)

  • I mounted Harry astride the parapet, and there we stopped for some minutes to look at the boats as they passed under us, and to watch two swans which were sailing up the river with their great wings spread out for sails, and their necks so proudly bent that they looked like the king and queen of the river. —  Harry's Ladder to Learning
  • But as he reached the top and peered cautiously over the parapet he was disconcerted at the discovery that here at least the sentinels did not sleep; for the first object that met his gaze was a man standing at the extreme end of the parapet, apparently gazing steadfastly out to sea, while his crossed hands rested upon the muzzle of his grounded matchlock. —  Two Gallant Sons of Devon A Tale of the Days of Queen Bess
  • The fortification comprises two tiers of casemates surmounted by a parapet, and on the landward side barbette batteries. —  Between the Lines Secret Service Stories Told Fifty Years After
  • This parapet was about as high as Rollo's shoulders. —  Rollo in London
  • The levee above the fort was mistaken for the parapet, and some loss was sustained from the fire of gunboats. —  Destruction and Reconstruction: Personal Experiences of the Late War
 

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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. French, from Italian parapetto : parare, to shield; see parasol + petto, chest (from Latin pectus).

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from French parapet =Spanish para-peto= Portuguese parapeito, from Italian parapetto, a breastwork, from parare, guard (see pare), + petto, breast, from Latin pectus, breast: see pectoral.
 

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/ˈpærəpɛt/
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