-t( ə )lə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, diminutive of mantel, manteau cloak
1. : a very short cape, cloak, or mantle
2. or mant·let -tlə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V : a movable shelter formerly used by besiegers as a protection when attacking
they bring forward mantelets and pavises and the archers muster on the skirts of the woods — Sir Walter Scott