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

Major Anderson replied with his barbette guns from the fort.

From Robert Toombs Statesman, Speaker, Soldier, Sage by Stovall, Pleasant A.

The cannon were well mounted, and placed in barbette and embrasure.

From Martyria or Andersonville Prison by Hamlin, Augustus C.

He had brought his brother, a mere boy, on board for a holiday, and had him beside him in the barbette.

From Famous Sea Fights From Salamis to Tsu-Shima by Hale, John Richard

In the salient of one of the lunettes is a small brass four-pounder, mounted in barbette upon a wooden platform.

From Narrative of the March of Co. A, Engineers from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Fort Bridger, Utah, and Return May 6 to October 3, 1858 by Seville, William P.