banquette

Etymology

Borrowed from French banquette, the diminutive form of banc.

noun

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. An upholstered bench, e.g., along a wall of a restaurant or lounge area.
4. (dated) A bench or similar seat on top of a diligence or other public vehicle.
   My brother-in-law […] took refuge in the banquette. 1899, Julia Ward Howe, Reminiscences
5. (Louisiana, Texas) A sidewalk.
   The boys were dragging along the banquette a small “express wagon,” which they had filled with blocks and sticks. 1899, Kate Chopin, The Awakening