a small medal, usually no larger than 1 in. (2.5 cm) in diameter
Word origin
[1780–90; medal + -et]This word is first recorded in the period 1780–90. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: carbon, carton, classification, oxygen, vampire bat-et is a noun suffix having a diminutive force (although the diminutive element is nowlost in many words). Other words that use the affix -et include: islet, midget, plummet, tablet