# banquette

> English word · Noun · IPA /baŋˈkɛt/

## Definitions
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.
4. A bench or similar seat on top of a diligence or other public vehicle.
5. A sidewalk.

## Etymology
Borrowed from French banquette, the diminutive form of banc; by surface analysis, bank + -ette.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/banquette