Parquet /(pär*kā" or pär*kĕt")/

Par·quet

Parquet

n.
  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.
  2. Same as Parquetry.
  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.
  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.