parapet

[ par-uh-pit, -pet ]

noun

1. Fortification.
   1. a defensive wall or elevation, as of earth or stone, in a fortification.
   2. an elevation raised above the main wall or rampart of a permanent fortification.
2. any low protective wall or barrier at the edge of a balcony, roof, bridge, or the like.

parapet

/ -ˌpɛt; ˈpærəpɪt /

noun

1. a low wall or railing along the edge of a balcony, roof, etc
2. Also calledbreastwork a rampart, mound of sandbags, bank, etc, in front of a trench, giving protection from fire from the front

Other Word Forms

• para·pet·ed adjective
• para·pet·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parapet¹

1575–85; < Italian parapetto, equivalent to para- para- ² + petto chest, breast < Latin pectus

Word History and Origins

Origin of parapet¹

C16: from Italian parapetto, literally: chest-high wall, from para- ² + petto, from Latin pectus breast

Example Sentences

Mr Goldenberg added that there will be others "who share our views, but don't, for their own personal reasons - perfectly fairly - want to put their head above the parapet".

From BBC

They also need leaders willing to put their head above the parapet.

From BBC

A street musician played to lunchtime crowds, and during the holidays, lights festooned the parapets.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's just under the parapet. It's not gone away."

From BBC

And now Gilligan, another proud Rangers man and another Rangers investor, has put his head above the parapet.

From BBC