Parapet
in architecture, a wall raised breast high; the upper part of a house which is above the springing of a roof and guards the gutter; the upper part of a well, a bridge, a terrace, or balcony, etc. Parapets around the flat roofs of houses in the East are of very ancient date. Also a breast-high defense of earth or stone around a work for shielding troops from the enemy's fire. It is so formed that the earth of the excavation is sufficient for the ramparts and parapets. Inside is the body of the place; outside are the ditch, glacis, etc.