I. ˈfi-lət, in sense 2b also fi-ˈlā, ˈfi-(ˌ)lā noun
also fi·let fi-ˈlā, ˈfi-(ˌ)lā
Etymology: Middle English filet, from Anglo-French, diminutive of fil thread, from Latin filum — more at file
Date: 14th century
1. : a ribbon or narrow strip of material used especially as a headband
2.
a. : a thin narrow strip of material
b. : a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish ; especially : the tenderloin of beef
3.
a. : a concave junction formed where two surfaces meet (as at an angle)
b. : a strip that gives a rounded appearance to such a junction ; also : a strip to reinforce the corner where two surfaces meet
4. : a narrow flat architectural member:
a. : a flat molding separating others
b. : the space between two flutings in a shaft
II. ˈfi-lət, in sense 2 also fi-ˈlā, ˈfi-(ˌ)lā transitive verb
Date: 1604
1. : to bind, furnish, or adorn with or as if with a fillet
2. : to cut into fillets