terreplein

== English == === Alternative forms === terre-plein (obsolete) terraplene, teraplene, terrepleine (obsolete misspellings) terraplana, terraplane, terraplain, terreplaine, terreplain === Etymology === Originally a borrowing of Italian terrapieno (“earth-fill(ed)”), later altered after the model of French terreplein (now terre-plein). Its former misspellings arose from confusion of the second element of the name with Italian piano or French plain, plane (“flat, level”) based on the appearance of the earth-filled central platforms of walls. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈtɛɹəpleɪn/, /ˈtɛə(ɹ)pleɪn/ === Noun === terreplein (plural terrepleins) (obsolete military) The sloping earthen embankment behind a defensive wall. (military) The level platform atop a wall, typically protected by a parapet and (strictly) distinguished from the slightly higher banquette used by its defenders. (military) Any level base used by artillery in the field. (civil engineering) Any earthen embankment with a broad level top, such as those used for a canal elevated above a valley floor. ==== Synonyms ==== (sloping earthen embankment): talus === References === “terreplein, n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1911. == French == === Noun === terreplein m (plural terrepleins) alternative form of terre-plein