The use of the term 'billet' is widespread in both historical and modern contexts. Originally, it referred to a written note instructing where soldiers would stay, and over time, its usage expanded to include material billets in the form of industrial supplies and billets in the context of event tickets. Billeting practices have evolved with the military, as contemporary armed forces use different methods for housing personnel during training or deployment. Modern manufacturing also uses billets as a starting point for producing various metal products.
billet in English
- billet⇄billet (1), noun, verb, -leted,-leting.
- billet⇄billet (2), noun.
1. a thick stick of wood, especially one for fuel.
2. a short bar of iron or steel.
3. an architectural ornament shaped like a wooden billet or a short cylinder, used, especially in medieval styles, in horizontal stri - billet⇄noun 1. a written order to provide board and lodging for a soldier.
2. a place where a soldier is lodged.
(SYN) lodging, station.
3. a job; situation; position.
(SYN) post, appointment.
4. (Archaic.) a place assigned, a - billet⇄v.i. to have quarters.
- billet⇄v.t. 1. to assign to quarters by billet.
Ex. Soldiers were billeted in all houses of the village.
(SYN) quarter.
2. to provide quarters for; lodge.
Ex. The farmer billeted five hired men during the harvest season.
billet in Hindi हिन्दी
billet in Sindhi سنڌي
billet in Telugu తెలుగు
Billet
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈbɪlɪt/
Definitions
- Noun: A small, flat, usually rectangular piece of metal or wood, often used in the context of manufacturing or material processing.
- Noun: A written order for a soldier to be temporarily stationed in a particular location.
- Verb: To assign or provide lodging, especially for military personnel or a group of people.
Usage Examples
- The soldiers were billeted in nearby houses during the war.
- The billet was made of durable steel to withstand the pressure of the machine.
- She received a billet to stay at the military camp for a week.
Etymology
From the French 'billet,' meaning "letter" or "note," derived from 'bille,' meaning "small piece of wood." Originally used in the context of orders or instructions to soldiers regarding their temporary accommodation.
Synonyms
- Ticket
- Note
- Order
Antonyms
- Departure
- Exodus
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | billet | bee-yay |
| Spanish | billete | bee-yet-teh |
| Hindi | टिकट | ti-kat |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In British English, the word "billet" is pronounced /ˈbɪlɪt/, while in American English, it is often stressed slightly differently with the same pronunciation.
Historical Usage
The term 'billet' has been used since the Middle Ages in military contexts, referring to the temporary lodging of soldiers. It later came to be used more generally in the context of providing temporary accommodations, and more recently, in manufacturing as a type of material used for industrial processes.
Cultural Nuances
In certain military traditions, being 'billeted' could also refer to the assignment of soldiers to civilian homes, a practice that was often viewed with mixed feelings, especially in times of war. In some regions, billets also refer to tickets for transportation or events, often seen in public travel or military assignments.