barbette

¹

[ bahr-bet ]

noun

1. (within a fortification) a platform or mound of earth from which guns may be fired over the parapet instead of through embrasures.
2. Navy. an armored cylinder for protecting the lower part of a turret on a warship.

Barbette

²

[ bahr-bet ]

noun

1. a female given name, form of Barbara.

barbette

/ bɑːˈbɛt /

noun

1. (formerly) an earthen platform inside a parapet, from which heavy guns could fire over the top
2. an armoured cylinder below a turret on a warship that protects the revolving structure and foundation of the turret

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbette¹

1765–75; < French, equivalent to barbe beard + -ette -ette, probably from the general metaphorical use of barbe for something which protrudes or faces outward

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbette¹

C18: from French, diminutive of barbe a nun's barb ¹, from a fancied similarity between the earthwork around a cannon and this part of a nun's habit

Example Sentences

Of its forty-eight available guns, only twenty-one were in the casemates, twenty-seven being on the rampart en barbette.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not do quite as well every time, but in two hours there was not a gun in place on the barbette of the fort.

From Project Gutenberg

In a moment he saw the carriage of the only gun that seemed to be mounted on the barbette flying in pieces in every direction.

From Project Gutenberg

If in siege works or en barbette, it is much easier to load a muzzle loader under cover than a breech-loader.

From Project Gutenberg

Bastringuette has a cousin who lives Rue Barbette way; perhaps she's gone to see her.

From Project Gutenberg