pop|pet

pop|pet «POP iht», noun.

1. a valve that controls flow, such as of water or gas, by moving straight up and down instead of being hinged.

2. a) one of the small pieces of wood on the gunwale of a boat forming the rowlocks. b) a timber placed beneath a ship's hull to support the ship in launching: »

The workers then build strong supports called poppets on the launching timbers at the bow and the stern (Robert S. Burns).

3. a bead that can be attached to other beads by a snap coupling to form a chain. Poppets are used especially to make necklaces, bracelets, etc., adjustable in length.

4. Especially British. a small or dainty person, especially a pretty child or girl; pet: »

“Little poppet!” she murmured to herself, maternally reflecting upon Florence's tender youth (Arnold Bennett).

5. Obsolete. a) a doll. b) a puppet.

╂[Middle English variant of puppet]