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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of terreplein

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume 36, 1649-1666 Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century. by Bourne, Edward Gaylord

The corsair was not expecting an assault by the Spaniards, so his fort was not completed, lacking the terreplein; and his artillery was unmounted, and no sentinels were placed.

From The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 04 of 55 1576-1582 Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century by Robertson, James Alexander

At the salient of the bastion there is a mortar battery under the rampart, and a casemated traverse for howitzers upon the terreplein.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various

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

From The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 24 of 55 1630-34 Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, As Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century by Robertson, James Alexander

Traverses to protect the terreplein of the ramparts from enfilade.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various