attelet

noun

at·​te·​let ˈa-tə-ˌlā 

plural attelets

: a small, ornamental metal skewer used as decoration when serving food

Each pyramid of sandwiches is surmounted by a silver attelet run through a small paper or silk pennon, and bearing the name of the sandwich in silver or gold letters.

—Janet McKenzie Hill, The Boston Cooking-School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics, June–July 1901

Fluted lemon and truffle rounds are strung along a decorative attelet piercing the bird's rump.

—Gael Greene, New York Magazine, 31 July 1972

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French attelet, hâtelet, going back to Middle French hastelet "skewer of roasted meat"

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dicitonary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now