DictionarybanquetteFortification ledge
noun

banquette

a raised ledge along a fortification for soldiers to stand on

The soldiers stand on the banquette behind the defensive wall.

Etymology

French banquette names a small bench or ledge. In fortifications, that benchlike structure provides a raised place for soldiers to stand behind the defensive wall.

More examples

  • A narrow banquette ran along the fortification.
  • The guard climbed onto the banquette to look outside.
  • The surviving banquettes show where the defenders stood.

Forms

banquette · banquettes

Similar words

ledge
Names any narrow projecting shelf rather than a firing step.
platform
Can be a much broader raised surface.