Category:Billet

Bil"let, n. Etym: [F. billet, dim. of an OF. bille bill. See Bill a writing.]

1. A small paper; a note; a short letter. "I got your melancholy billet." Sterne.

2. A ticket from a public officer directing soldiers at what house to lodge; as, a billet of residence.

Bil"let, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Billeted; p. pr. & vb. n. Billeting.] Etym: [From Billet a ticket.] (Mil.)

Defn: To direct, by a ticket or note, where to lodge. Hence: To quarter, or place in lodgings, as soldiers in private houses. Billeted in so antiquated a mansion. W. Irving.

Bil"let, n. Etym: [F. billette, bille, log; of unknown origin; a different word from bille ball. Cf. Billiards, Billot.]

1. A small stick of wood, as for firewood. They shall beat out my brains with billets. Shak.

2. (Metal.)

Defn: A short bar of metal, as of gold or iron.

3. (Arch.)

Defn: An ornament in Norman work, resembling a billet of wood either square or round.

4. (Saddlery) (a) A strap which enters a buckle. (b) A loop which receives the end of a buckled strap. Knight.

5. (Her.)

Defn: A bearing in the form of an oblong rectangle.