/ pɑːˈteə(r); NAmE pɑːrˈter/ noun (from French )
1.
a flat area in a garden, with plants arranged in a formal design
2.
( especially NAmE ) the lower level in a theatre where the audience sits, especially the area underneath the balcony
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from French , from par terre on the ground.