RAMPARTS
Noun
ramparts
plural of rampart
Source: Wiktionary
RAMPART
Ram"part, n. Etym: [F. rempart, OF. rempar, fr. remparer to fortify,
se remparer to fence or intrench one's self; re- re- pref. + pref.
en- (L. in) + parer to defend, parry, prepare, L. parare to prepape.
See Pare.]
1. That which fortifies and defends from assault; that which secures
safety; a defense or bulwark.
2. (Fort.)
Definition: A broad embankment of earth round a place, upon which the
parapet is raised. It forms the substratum of every permanent
fortification. Mahan.
Syn.
– Bulwark; fence; security; guard.
– Rampart, Bulwark. These words were formerly interchanged; but in
modern usage a distinction has sprung up between them. The rampart of
a fortified place is the enceinte or main embankment or wall which
surrounds it. The term bulwark is now applied to peculiarly strong
outworks which project for the defense of the rampart, or main work.
A single bastion is a bulwark. In using these words figuratively,
rampart is properly applied to that which protects by walling out;
bulwark to that which stands in the forefront of danger, to meet and
repel it. Hence, we speak of a distinguished individual as the
bulwark, not the rampart, of the state. This distinction, however, is
often disregarded.
Ram"part, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ramparted; p. pr. & vb. n. Ramparting.]
Definition: To surround or protect with, or as with, a rampart or ramparts.
Those grassy hills, those glittering dells, Proudly ramparted with
rocks. Coleridge.
Rampart gun (Fort.), a cannon or large gun for use on a rampart and
not as a fieldpiece.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition