banquette

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰeg-der. Proto-Germanic *bankiz Proto-West Germanic *banki Lombardic bankbor. Italian banca Proto-Indo-European *-tós Proto-Italic *-tosder.? Late Latin -ittus Italian -etta Italian banchettabor. French banquettebor. English banquette Borrowed from French banquette, the diminutive form of banc; by surface analysis, bank + -ette.

1. A narrow area behind a defensive wall's parapet elevated above its terreplein and used by defenders to shoot at attackers.
2. A bench built into a wall, especially (military) one built into a wall of a defensive trench, used for sitting and for shooting at attackers.
3. An upholstered bench, e.g., along a wall of a restaurant or lounge area.

   “Stoned, she would traipse in, overtly sexual in last night's dress, and throw herself exhausted across the banquette.”

4. A bench or similar seat on top of a diligence or other public vehicle.

   “My brother-in-law […] took refuge in the banquette.”

5. A sidewalk.

   “The boys were dragging along the banquette a small “express wagon,” which they had filled with blocks and sticks.”

   ““Get the hell away from that stove, Charmaine, and go play out on the banquette before I bust you right in the mouth.””