abat-vent
noun
ˌäˌbäˈväⁿ,
F ȧbȧväⁿ
plural abat-vents
-äⁿz,
F -äⁿ
1
: a series of sloping boards used (as in a belfry light) to break the wind without obstructing the passage of air or sound
2
: a sloping roof (as of a penthouse)
3
: a metal chimney cap
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from French, literally, "(it) strikes down (abat) the wind (vent)," from abattre "to strike down" + vent "wind," going back to Old French, going back to Latin ventus
First Known Use
1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1