terreplein

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: terre=plein

CIDE DICTIONARY

terreplein, n. [F., fr. L. terra earth + planus even, level, plain.].

•  The top, platform, or horizontal surface, of a rampart, on which the cannon are placed. See Illust. of Casemate.  [1913 Webster]
•  An embankment of earth with a broad level top, which is sometimes excavated to form a continuation of an elevated canal across a valley.  [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

terreplein, n. a level space where a battery of guns is mounted.

Etymology

orig. a sloping bank behind a rampart f. F terre-plein f. It. terrapieno f. terrapienare fill with earth f. terra earth + pieno f. L plenus full