rampart
noun
- length of bank or wall forming part of the defensive boundary of a fortification
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈɹæm.pɑː(ɹ)t/
noun
Etymology: Borrowed from Middle French rempart (“rampart of a fort”), from Old French remparer (“to defend, fortify, inclose with a rampart”), from re- (“again”) + emparer (“defend, fortify, surround, seize, take possession of”), from Old Occitan amparer, from Vulgar Latin *anteparō (“to prepare”), from ante- + parō (“to prepare”).
- A defensive mound of earth or a wall with a broad top and usually a stone parapet; a wall-like ridge of earth, stones or debris; an embankment for defensive purpose.
“Between the southern end of the village, called Bridge End, and the River Thames runs a double row of ramparts and a ditch known as Dyke Hills.”
- A defensive structure; a protective barrier; a bulwark.
- That which defends against intrusion from outside; a protection.
- A steep bank of a river or gorge.
verb
Etymology: Borrowed from Middle French rempart (“rampart of a fort”), from Old French remparer (“to defend, fortify, inclose with a rampart”), from re- (“again”) + emparer (“defend, fortify, surround, seize, take possession of”), from Old Occitan amparer, from Vulgar Latin *anteparō (“to prepare”), from ante- + parō (“to prepare”).
- To defend with a rampart; fortify or surround with a rampart.
“Those grassy Hills, those glitt’ring Dells Proudly ramparted with rocks”