Parapet

in fortification, an elevation of earth designed for covering the soldiers from the enemies’ cannon small shot. The thickne of the parapet is from eighteen to twenty feet; its height is six feet on the inside, and four or five on the outside. It is raised on the rampart, and has a slope above called the superior talus, and sometimes the glacis of the parapet. The exterior talus of the parapet is the slope facing the country; there isa banquette or two for the soldiers who defend the parapet, to mount upon, that they may the better discover the country, fo e, and counterscarpe, and fire as they find occasion. Parapet of the covert-way, or corridor, is what covers that way from the sight of the enemy, which renders it the most dangerous place for the besiegers, because of the neighbourhood of the faces, flanks, and curtains of the place. ParAaPET is also a little wall raised breast high, on the banks of bridges, keys, or high buildings, to serve as a stay, and prevent eople’s falling over,