I. ˈpärtlə̇t, ˈpȧt-, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of Middle English (Scots) patelet, from Middle French patelette band of cloth, diminutive of patte paw — more at patten
: a covering for the neck and shoulders worn chiefly by women in the 16th century and consisting of a separate fill-in for low necklines or of the decorative neckline of an undershirt made usually of embroidered or pleated gauze or muslin and finished with a small ruff or frill
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Partlet, proper name of a hen, from Middle English Pertelote, hen that is the favorite wife of Chanticleer (Chauntecleer) in Chaucer's Nun's Priest's Tale
: hen
an ever resounding cackle from his complacent partlets — C.G.D.Roberts