1. A platform lining a trench or parapet wall on which soldiers may stand when firing.
2. Southern Louisiana & East Texas A raised sidewalk: "The flower of loafers . . . was found stretched on the banquette on Tuesday night” ( New Orleans Daily Picayune). See Regional Note at beignet.
3. A long upholstered bench placed against or built into a wall.
4. A ledge or shelf, as on a buffet.

1. A (typically upholstered) bench-like seat that runs along a wall.
2. A similar bench in a military trench which soldiers stand on to shoot.
3. A sidewalk.

1. A bench or seat for passengers on the top of a diligence or other public vehicle.
2. A raised way or foot bank, running along the inside of a parapet, on which musketeers stand to fire upon the enemy.
3. A narrow window seat; a raised shelf at the back or the top of a buffet or dresser.

1. in fortification, a raised way or foot-bank, running along the inside of a parapet breast-high above it, on which riflemen stand to fire upon the enemy.
2. in medieval fortification, an advanced earthwork or palisaded defense outside of the ditch.
3. the footway of a bridge when raised above the carriageway.
4. A bench for passengers, or the space occupied by benches, on the top of a french diligence, and hence of any public vehicle.
5. A sidewalk.
6. an elevated platform made of stones, running along the walls of cliff-dwellings and kivas.

1. an upholstered bench