\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}.