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terreplein

American  
[ter-pleyn, ter-uh-] / ˈtɛrˌpleɪn, ˈtɛr ə- /

noun

Fortification.
  1. the top platform or horizontal surface of a rampart where guns are mounted.


terreplein British  
/ ˈtɛəˌpleɪn /

noun

  1. the top of a rampart where guns are placed behind the parapet

  2. an embankment with a level top surface

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of terreplein

1585–95; < French < Italian terrapieno, derivative of terrapienare to fill with earth; terra, plenum

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Also the use of shrapnel made it impossible for troops to find cover on the terreplein of a work some distance behind the parapet.

From Project Gutenberg

They had now demolished all of the wall that rose above the terreplein, and talked of making a general assault.

From Project Gutenberg

But the remaining side, toward the land, has some heights; and the ground is such that a trench can be opened up to the wall, which has no terreplein.

From Project Gutenberg

In fortification, a bastion of which the terreplein or interior terrace is not continued beyond a certain distance to the rear of the parapet, and thus leaves a central area at a lower level.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter has no terreplein, and is seven palmos in height.

From Project Gutenberg