allège
Page approvedn. f. · sill wall · apron wall (US) · window breast (UK) · approximate, no exact equivalent
Definition
Partie de mur située sous une fenêtre, entre le plancher et l'appui de la fenêtre. Sa hauteur détermine la hauteur de l'appui, donc la vue vers l'extérieur et la sécurité contre les chutes.
The part of a wall below a window, between the floor and the window sill. Its height sets the sill height, and with it the view to the outside and the protection against falls.
Diagram
Example sentences
Written (email, official document)
FRAvec une allège aussi basse, il faudra prévoir un garde-corps devant la fenêtre.
ENWith such a low sill wall, we'll need a guard in front of the window.
Spoken (standard)
FRElle fait combien, l'allège de la chambre ? Je veux un lit sous la fenêtre.
ENHow high is the sill wall in the bedroom? I want a bed under the window.
Spoken (informal)
FRCette allège est trop haute, on ne voit rien dehors.
ENThis sill wall is too high, you can't see anything outside.
Nuances and pitfalls
Allège (n. f.) and appui. The allège is the wall; the appui (window sill) is the horizontal piece that caps it, in stone, concrete or metal, sloped to shed water. In English, the appui is the sill.
Related terms
linteautableaufeuilluregarde-corpsValidation
- French term, register, FR sentences : ✓ validated
- US/UK equivalents and EN sentences : ✓ validated
- Diagram : ✓ validated
Reviewed by Raphaël B. · 7 Oct 2026
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