barbette

[ bahr-bet ]
/ bɑrˈbɛt /

noun

(within a fortification) a platform or mound of earth from which guns may be fired over the parapet instead of through embrasures.
Navy. an armored cylinder for protecting the lower part of a turret on a warship.

Origin of barbette

1765–75; < French, equivalent to barbe beard + -ette -ette, probably from the general metaphorical use of barbe for something which protrudes or faces outward

Words nearby barbette

barbershop singing, barbershopper, barberton, barberton daisy, barbet, barbette, barbican, barbicel, barbie, barbie doll, barbirolli

Definition for barbette (2 of 2)

Barbette
[ bahr-bet ]
/ bɑrˈbɛt /

noun

a female given name, form of Barbara.

Example sentences from the Web for barbette

British Dictionary definitions for barbette

barbette
/ (bɑːˈbɛt) /

noun

(formerly) an earthen platform inside a parapet, from which heavy guns could fire over the top
an armoured cylinder below a turret on a warship that protects the revolving structure and foundation of the turret

Word Origin for barbette

C18: from French, diminutive of barbe a nun's barb 1, from a fancied similarity between the earthwork around a cannon and this part of a nun's habit