Bil"let (&?;), n. [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.
© Webster 1913
Bil"let, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Billeted; p. pr. & vb. n. Billeting.] [From Billet a ticket.] (Mil.)
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.
© Webster 1913
Bil"let, n. [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.)
A short bar of metal, as of gold or iron.
3. (Arch.)
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.)
A bearing in the form of an oblong rectangle.
© Webster 1913
Bil"let, n.
Quarters or place to which one is assigned, as by a billet or ticket; berth; position. Also used fig. [Colloq.]
The men who cling to easy billets ashore.
Harper's Mag.
His shafts of satire fly straight to their billet, and there they rankle.
Pall Mall Mag.
© Webster 1913