Man"tel*et (?), n. [F., dim. of manteau, OF. mantel. See Mantle.] 1. (a) A short cloak formerly worn by knights. (b) A short cloak or mantle worn by women.

A mantelet upon his shoulders hanging.

2. (Fort.) A musket-proof shield of rope, wood, or metal, which is sometimes used for the protection of sappers or riflemen while attacking a fortress, or of gunners at embrasures; -- now commonly written mantlet.