1. a portable defensive shield or screen used to protect soldiers during siege warfare
Usage: historical; military
2. a short cloak or cape worn by women
Usage: archaic; fashion

Examples

• The soldiers advanced behind wooden mantlets to protect themselves from enemy arrows.
• Medieval armies used mantlets during castle sieges to shield their approach.
• The museum displayed a reconstructed mantlet from the 15th century.
• She wore a silk mantlet over her evening dress.
• The Victorian lady’s mantlet was trimmed with delicate lace.
• Portable mantlets allowed besieging forces to move closer to fortress walls.