bil|let

bil|let¹ «BIHL iht», noun, verb, -let|ed, -let|ing.

–n.

1. a written order to provide board and lodging for a soldier.

2. a place where a soldier is lodged. SYNONYM(S): lodging, station.

3. a job; situation; position. SYNONYM(S): post, appointment.

4. Archaic. a place assigned, as to each of the crew of a man-of-war for slinging his hammock.

5. Archaic. a short letter or note.

–v.t.

1. to assign to quarters by billet: »

Soldiers were billeted in all houses of the village.

SYNONYM(S): quarter.

2. to provide quarters for; lodge: »

The farmer billeted five hired men during the harvest season.

–v.i.

to have quarters.

╂[< Old French billette, alteration of bullette certificate, ultimately < Latin bulla amulet]

bil|let² «BIHL iht», noun.

1. a thick stick of wood, especially one for fuel.

2. a short bar of iron or steel.

3. an architectural ornament shaped like a wooden billet or a short cylinder, used, especially in medieval styles, in horizontal strings or series along a molding.

4. in saddlery: a) a strap which enters a buckle. b) a pocket or loop that receives the end of a buckled strap.

╂[< Old French billette (diminutive) < bille log, tree trunk]