barbette

¹ American  

[bahr-bet] / bɑrˈbɛt /

noun

1. (within a fortification) a platform or mound of earth from which guns may be fired over the parapet instead of through embrasures.

2. Navy. an armored cylinder for protecting the lower part of a turret on a warship.

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Barbette ² American  

[bahr-bet] / bɑrˈbɛt /

noun

1. a first name, form of Barbara.

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barbette British  

/ bɑːˈbɛt /

noun

1. (formerly) an earthen platform inside a parapet, from which heavy guns could fire over the top

2. an armoured cylinder below a turret on a warship that protects the revolving structure and foundation of the turret

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Etymology

Origin of barbette

1765–75; < French, equivalent to barbe beard + -ette -ette, probably from the general metaphorical use of barbe for something which protrudes or faces outward

Example Sentences

Last came the ample habit-coat of heavy cloth, topped by a linen rochet and a stiffly starched barbette of cambric .

From Time Magazine Archive

Inside this tube, which revolves with the gun platform, are "lifts," which hoist the shells up to the barbette.

From The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 2 (of 10) From the Battle of Mons to the Fall of Antwerp. by Parrott, James Edward

The cannon were well mounted, and placed in barbette and embrasure.

From Martyria or Andersonville Prison by Hamlin, Augustus C.

Little or nothing can be seen from the barbette; from the "fire-control station" the target is a mere speck on the horizon about eleven miles away.

From The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 2 (of 10) From the Battle of Mons to the Fall of Antwerp. by Parrott, James Edward

The Empress of India and two other barbette ships of her class in the English navy have a displacement of 14,150 tons, and the last built Cunarder, the Lucania, exceeds 13,000 tons.

From Asiatic Breezes Students on The Wing by Optic, Oliver