Parapet

PARAPET. A term applied to battlements with open spaces, surmounting ancient fortified buildings and city walls. Stones, lances, and arrows were hurled from the openings upon attacking forces below. Deut.22.8 enjoins the construction of parapets around the roofs of houses to keep people from falling to the ground below. Roofs were often used for evening recreation.

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PARAPET (מַעֲקֶה, H5111, KJV BATTLEMENT, Deut 22:8). A structure at the edge of the roof to prevent persons from falling off, for houses were built generally with flat roofs, which frequently were used as porches (see House). Negligent homicide was to be avoided by the builder and owner.