parquet

n. [ F. See Parquetry. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A body of seats on the floor of a music hall or theater nearest the orchestra; but commonly applied to the whole lower floor of a theater, from the orchestra to the dress circle; the pit. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Same as Parquetry. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. In various European public bourses, the railed-in space within which the “agents de change, ” or privileged brokers, conduct business; also, the business conducted by them; -- distinguished from the coulisse, or outside market. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

4. In most European countries, the branch of the administrative government which is charged with the prevention, investigation, and punishment of crime, representing the public and not the individual injured. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. See Parquetry. [ 1913 Webster ]

. That part of the lower floor of a theater with seats at the rear of the parquet and beneath the galleries; -- called also, esp. in U. S., orchestra circle or parterre. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ F. parqueterie, fr. parquet inlaid flooring, fr. parquet, dim. of parc an inclosure. See Park. ] A species of joinery or cabinet-work consisting of an inlay of geometric or other patterns, generally of different colors, -- used especially for floors. [ 1913 Webster ]