barbette

¹ American  

[bahr-bet] / bɑrˈbɛt /

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.

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Barbette ² American  

[bahr-bet] / bɑrˈbɛt /

noun

1. a first name, form of Barbara.

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barbette British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of barbette

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

Example Sentences

Last came the ample habit-coat of heavy cloth, topped by a linen rochet and a stiffly starched barbette of cambric .

From Time Magazine Archive

No barbette or merely embrasured battery of that day could stand up against the twenty or more heavy guns carried on each broadside by the steam-frigates, if these could get near enough.

From From Sail to Steam, Recollections of Naval Life by Mahan, A. T. (Alfred Thayer)

The batteries of the bastions which were in barbette had not yet been finished.

From The Niagara River by Hulbert, Archer Butler

A barbette battery on the cliffs of the Jersey shore, left of the ferry, fired down upon the frigate, but with little effect.

From The Student's Life of Washington; Condensed from the Larger Work of Washington Irving For Young Persons and for the Use of Schools by Irving, Washington

Frank took the proffered glass, and bringing it to bear, it revealed two barbette towers, with long guns projecting, sharp bows heavily scrolled with gilt, and a mass of tumbled waters pouring before her rush.

From The Golden Rock by Glanville, Ernest