bi
llet
Plural
billets
1
temporary accommodations for soldiers, often in civilian homes
- The soldiers were given billets in nearby civilian homes during the war.
- After a long day of training, they returned to their billets for rest.
- The town was tasked with finding billets for the incoming troops.
- During the campaign, the army relied on local villagers for billets.
- The officer arranged billets for his men before the night fell.
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2
a brief, informal written message
- During the war, soldiers often sent billets to their loved ones back home.
- She smiled as she read the billet he had sent her earlier that morning.
- The billet contained only a few lines, but it meant the world to her.
- The lovers exchanged billets daily, keeping their relationship a secret.
- She found a billet in her locker with a heartfelt note from a secret admirer.
3
a large, solid block or length of wood
- The carpenter shaped a billet of oak into a sturdy table leg.
- The fireplace was stocked with billets of wood for the winter nights.
- He used a billet of pine to craft the base for the wooden sculpture.
- The billets were stacked neatly beside the workshop, ready for use.
- After felling the tree, they cut it into billets for easier transport.
4
decorative elements used in medieval architecture, especially in Romanesque designs
A billet is a decorative element in architecture that consists of a series of short, cylindrical or rectangular shapes, often resembling small blocks or logs. This design is typically used as a pattern in moldings or as part of a decorative band, adding texture and visual interest to a structure. Billets can be made from various materials, including stone, wood, or plaster, and are commonly found in styles such as Romanesque and Gothic architecture. They enhance the overall aesthetic of a building, contributing to its character and detail.
- The cathedral’s arches were decorated with rows of billets in the Norman style.
- Each column was intricately carved, with billets forming part of the design.
- The Norman church featured billets along the roofline.
- The moldings of the castle’s great hall were embellished with alternating billets.
- The architect incorporated billets into the decorative stonework of the building.
5
a shape used in heraldic designs, symbolizing strength or nobility
- The family crest featured a silver billet on a red background.
- The knight's shield displayed three golden billets, symbolizing his achievements.
- His coat of arms included a vertical billet, representing his noble lineage.
- Billets were often used in heraldry to denote strength and reliability.
- The heraldic design was simple, with two billets framing the central emblem.
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