Main Entry: par·a·pet

Pronunciation: \ˈpa-rə-pət, -ˌpet\

Function: noun

Etymology: Italian parapetto, from parare to shield (from Latin, to prepare) + petto chest, from Latin pectus — more at pare, pectoral

Date: 1590

1 : a wall, rampart, or elevation of earth or stone to protect soldiers
2 : a low wall or railing to protect the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge —called also parapet wall

— par·a·pet·ed \-ˌpe-təd\ adjective

[parapet illustration]