Man"tel*et (?), n. [F., dim. of manteau, OF. mantel. See Mantle.]
1. (a)
A short cloak formerly worn by knights.
(b)
A short cloak or mantle worn by women.
A mantelet upon his shoulders hanging.
Chaucer.
2. Fort.
A musket-proof shield of rope, wood, or metal, which is sometimes used for the protection of sappers or riflemen while attacking a fortress, or of gunners at embrasures; -- now commonly written mantlet.
© Webster 1913.