Billet

/ˈbɪlɛt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A light, narrow bar of iron or steel.

The blacksmith heated the billet before hammering it into shape.

A place, especially a civilian housing, where soldiers are lodged temporarily.

The soldiers were assigned to a billet in the small town during their training exercises.

A written order for the temporary lodging of military personnel.

The lieutenant received a billet for his men for the duration of the deployment.

verb

To lodge (soldiers) in a particular place, especially a civilian house.

The commanding officer decided to billet the troops in nearby villages to minimize disruption.

To assign lodging or shelter to someone.

During the war, many families were asked to billet refugees in their homes.

French, from 'billet' meaning 'a small piece of wood' or 'a place to stay'.

billet-doux

A love letter.

billet in advance

Securing accommodation or position beforehand.

barracks

A building for housing soldiers.

hospitality

The friendly treatment of guests.

deployment

The movement of troops to a place or position for military action.

To assign someone to a specific place.

He got billeted to a new area.

To stick someone somewhere temporarily.

We were billeted in an old college dorm.