BATTLEMENT. 1. A parapet built around the flat roof of a house to prevent people from falling off. The law of Moses required that all houses be so equipped (Deut 22:8; RSV PARAPET), since the roof was an important part of every house and was put to many uses—domestic work, social gatherings, sleeping, and play area for children.

2. A low wall on the top of a city wall to protect soldiers as they defended the city (Jer 5:10, KJV; RSV BRANCHES; Zeph 1:16). The word is used fig. in the Song of Solomon (8:9).