Hypertext Webster Gateway: "parapet"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Parapet \Par"a*pet\, n. [F., fr. It. parapetto, fr. parare to
ward off, guard (L. parare to prepare, provide) + petto the
breast, L. pectus. See {Parry}, and {Pectoral}.]
1. (Arch.) A low wall, especially one serving to protect the
edge of a platform, roof, bridge, or the like.
2. (Fort.) A wall, rampart, or elevation of earth, for
covering soldiers from an enemy's fire; a breastwork. See
Illust. of {Casemate}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
parapet
n : fortification consisting of a low wall [syn: {breastwork}]
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