Parapet vs. Scupper — What's the Difference?

A parapet is a barrier that is an extension of the wall at the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, walkway or other structure. The word comes ultimately from the Italian parapetto (parare 'to cover/defend' and petto 'chest/breast').

A scupper is an opening in the side walls of a vessel or an open-air structure, which allows water to drain instead of pooling within the bulwark or gunwales of a vessel, or within the curbing or walls of a building. There are two main kinds of scuppers: Ships have scuppers at deck level, to allow for ocean or rainwater drain-off.

A low protective wall or railing along the edge of a raised structure such as a roof or balcony.

(Nautical) An opening in the side of a ship at deck level to allow water to run off.

An earthen or stone embankment protecting soldiers from enemy fire.

An opening for draining off water, as from a floor or the roof of a building.

A low protective wall.

To sink (a ship) deliberately; scuttle.

Part of a perimeter that extends above the roof.

To thwart or ruin

(military) A fortification consisting of a wall.

Chiefly British To overwhelm or massacre.

A low wall, especially one serving to protect the edge of a platform, roof, bridge, or the like.

(nautical) A drainage hole on the deck of a ship.

A wall, rampart, or elevation of earth, for covering soldiers from an enemy's fire; a breastwork. See Illust. of Casemate.

(architecture) A similar opening in a wall or parapet that allows water to drain from a roof.

A low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony

(British) Thwart or destroy, especially something belonging or pertaining to another.

Fortification consisting of a low wall

An opening cut through the waterway and bulwarks of a ship, so that water falling on deck may flow overboard; - called also scupper hole.

Drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard

Wait in hiding to attack

Put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position