parapet

[ par-uh-pit, -pet ]

noun

1. Fortification.
   1. a defensive wall or elevation, as of earth or stone, in a fortification.
   2. an elevation raised above the main wall or rampart of a permanent fortification.
2. any low protective wall or barrier at the edge of a balcony, roof, bridge, or the like.

parapet

/ -ˌpɛt; ˈpærəpɪt /

noun

1. a low wall or railing along the edge of a balcony, roof, etc
2. Also calledbreastwork a rampart, mound of sandbags, bank, etc, in front of a trench, giving protection from fire from the front

Other Words From

• para·pet·ed adjective
• para·pet·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parapet¹

1575–85; < Italian parapetto, equivalent to para- para- ² + petto chest, breast < Latin pectus

Word History and Origins

Origin of parapet¹

C16: from Italian parapetto, literally: chest-high wall, from para- ² + petto, from Latin pectus breast

Example Sentences

I would be living in the Scottish Highlands and manning the parapets of my ancient castle.

From The Daily Beast

The head of this family, atop his roof with the rest, poked his head gingerly above the parapet, fearing the worst.

From The Daily Beast

Then a German soldier popped up from behind a parapet and fired.

From The Daily Beast

He had seen through a powerful naval glass some figures standing erect and silhouetted against the sky on the parapet.

From Project Gutenberg

The old man, grizzled, tanned and seamed, leant weakly against the parapet.

From Project Gutenberg

They met by the parapet of the Quai, just as Père Bracasse had come to the end of his incantation.

From Project Gutenberg

After the first short spell of shelling our men fixed bayonets and lifted them high above the parapet.

From Project Gutenberg

On the bridge he paused and, gripping the parapet, made a surprise attack upon his enemy.

From Project Gutenberg