Pār'a-pēt, n.

n. [Fr. parapet, Sp. parapeto, It. parapetto, from parare, Fr. parer, to ward off, guard, from Lat. parare, to prepare, provide, and It. petto, Lat. pectus, the breast.]

1. A wall or rampart to the breast, or breast high; especially, a wall, rampart, or elevation of earth for covering soldiers from an enemy’s attack from the front; a breast-work. [See Illust. of Abatis and Casemate.]
2. A breast-wall, raised on the edge of a bridge, quay, &c., to prevent people from falling over.