Ram"part (răm"pärt), n. [F.
rempart, OF. rempar, fr. remparer to fortify,
se remparer to fence or intrench one's self; pref. re-
re- + pref. en- (L. in) + parer to defend, parry,
prepare, L. parare to prepare. See Pare.]
1. That which fortifies and defends from
assault; that which secures safety; a defense or bulwark.
2. (Fort.) A broad embankment of earth
round a place, upon which the parapet is raised. It forms the
substratum of every permanent fortification. Mahan.
Syn. -- Bulwark; fence; security; guard. -- Rampart,
Bulwark. These words were formerly interchanged; but in modern
usage a distinction has sprung up between them. The rampart of
a fortified place is the enceinte or entire main embankment or wall
which surrounds it. The term bulwark is now applied to
peculiarly strong outworks which project for the defense of the
rampart, or main work. A single bastion is a bulwark. In
using these words figuratively, rampart is properly applied to
that which protects by walling out; bulwark to that which
stands in the forefront of danger, to meet and repel it. Hence, we
speak of a distinguished individual as the bulwark, not the
rampart, of the state. This distinction, however, is often
disregarded.
Ram"part, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Ramparted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Ramparting.] To surround or protect with, or as with, a
rampart or ramparts.
Those grassy hills, those glittering dells,
Proudly ramparted with rocks.
Coleridge.
Rampart gun (Fort.), a cannon or large
gun for use on a rampart and not as a fieldpiece.
