banquette

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Pronunciation

• (British) IPA: /baŋˈkɛt/, /bɒ̃ˈkɛt/
• (America) IPA: /bæŋˈkɛt/

Noun

banquette (plural banquettes)

1. (military) 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. (dated) A bench or similar seat on top of a diligence or other public vehicle.

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

4. (US regional, Louisiana, Texas) A sidewalk.
   • 1899, Kate Chopin, The Awakening:

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

   • a. 1969, John Kennedy Toole, A Confederacy of Dunces:

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

5. An upholstered bench, e.g., along a wall of a restaurant or lounge area

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