esplanade

n. [ F. esplanade, Sp. esplanada, explanada, cf. It. spianata; fr. Sp. explanar to level, L. explanare to flatten or spread out. See Explain. ] 1. (Fort.) (a) A clear space between a citadel and the nearest houses of the town. Campbell (Mil. Dict. ). (b) The glacis of the counterscarp, or the slope of the parapet of the covered way toward the country. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Hort.) A grass plat; a lawn. Simmonds. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Any clear, level space used for public walks or drives; esp., a terrace by the seaside. [ 1913 Webster ]