parapet

American  

[par-uh-pit, -pet] / ˈpær ə pɪt, -ˌpɛt /

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.

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parapet British  

/ -ˌpɛt, ˈpærəpɪt /

noun

1. a low wall or railing along the edge of a balcony, roof, etc

2. Also called: breastwork.  a rampart, mound of sandbags, bank, etc, in front of a trench, giving protection from fire from the front

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Other Word Forms

• parapeted adjective
• parapetless adjective

Etymology

Origin of parapet

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

Example Sentences

In an incredible moment of valour, within the chaos and madness, Laidlaw tore off his own gas mask, climbed up on the parapet and started playing the pipes.

From BBC

But women's football and sport wouldn't be where it is if no-one put their head above the parapet and ripped up the rule book.

From BBC

As well as the surfaces, the existing edge parapets and central reservation barriers are in poor condition and not compliant with current standards.

From BBC

After hearing the onboard announcement, Mr Dolphin wrote: "I do not want to jump into the flag debate, but my train is delayed due to 'people being lowered over bridge parapets to attach flags'."

From BBC

It includes work on the parapets, joints and surfacing.

From BBC