parapet
parapet. Low wall or barrier at the edge of a balcony, bridge, roof, terrace, or anywhere there is a drop, and therefore danger of persons falling. Originally a feature of defensive architecture on castles and town-walls, it often retained battlements and other features, even when used for non-defensive purposes, e.g. on churches. Parapets can be ornamented, pierced, or plain. A parapet gutter lies behind the wall, with holes in the wall through which water is discharged.
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parapet
