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parapet

/ˈpɛrəpət/
/ˈpɛrəpɛt/
IPA guide

Other forms: parapets

A parapet originally meant a defensive mini-wall made of earth or stone that was built to protect soldiers on the roof of a fort or a castle. Now it indicates any low wall along the roof of a building, the edge of a balcony, the side of a bridge, or similar structure.

When drawing castles, the most remarkable feature is the parapet on the top of the towers — the notches in the parapet were designed for soldiers to stand in but have come to look like a larger version of the crown of the king inside. Now, parapets are more likely to keep you from falling off a roof than protect you from enemy soldiers trying to storm the building.

Definitions of parapet
  1. noun
    a low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony
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    type of:
    wall
    an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
  2. noun
    fortification consisting of a low wall
    synonyms: breastwork
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    types:
    machicolation
    a projecting parapet supported by corbels on a medieval castle; has openings through which stones or boiling water could be dropped on an enemy
    type of:
    fortification, munition
    defensive structure consisting of walls or mounds built around a stronghold to strengthen it
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