Meaning & Definition of word "Billet"

Billet

/ˈbɪlɛt/

1. A light, narrow bar of iron or steel.
- Example: The blacksmith heated the billet before hammering it into shape.
2. A place, especially a civilian housing, where soldiers are lodged temporarily.
- Example: The soldiers were assigned to a billet in the small town during their training exercises.
3. A written order for the temporary lodging of military personnel.
- Example: The lieutenant received a billet for his men for the duration of the deployment.

1. To lodge (soldiers) in a particular place, especially a civilian house.
- Example: The commanding officer decided to billet the troops in nearby villages to minimize disruption.
2. To assign lodging or shelter to someone.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: To assign someone to a specific place.

Example Sentence: He got billeted to a new area.

Meaning: To stick someone somewhere temporarily.

Example Sentence: We were billeted in an old college dorm.