man·telet \-t(ə)lə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, diminutive of mantel, manteau cloak 1.: a very short cape, cloak, or mantle 2.ormant·let\-tlə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V\: a movable shelter formerly used by besiegers as a protection when attacking < they bring forward mantelets and pavises and the archers muster on the skirts of the woods — Sir Walter Scott >