1. portable shields or protective screens used by soldiers during sieges
Usage: military; historical
2. short cloaks or capes, especially women’s sleeveless garments
Usage: fashion; historical

Examples

• The soldiers advanced behind wooden mantlets to protect themselves from arrows.
• Medieval armies used mantlets during castle sieges.
• The museum displayed ancient mantlets used in warfare.
• She wore elegant mantlets over her evening dress.
• Victorian women often donned mantlets for formal occasions.
• The fashion exhibit featured ornate mantlets from the 1800s.