[be.zel] n [prob. fr. dial. form of F biseau bezel, fr. MF] (ca. 1616) 1: a rim that holds a transparent covering (as on a watch, clock, or headlight) or that is rotatable and has special markings (as on a watch)
2: the oblique side or face of a cut gem; specif: the upper faceted portion of a brilliant projecting from the setting--see brilliant illustration
3: a usu. metal rim of a piece of jewelry in which an ornament (as a gem) is set