Billeted is a term that is often used in military settings or during times of war. It refers to the practice of assigning soldiers or other individuals to live in a particular location, typically with a local family or in a designated barracks. This article will explore the definition and meaning of billeted, its origins, and how it is used in different contexts.
Definitions
Billeted can be defined as the act of providing lodging for soldiers or other individuals in a particular location. This can be done by assigning them to live with a local family or in a designated barracks. It can also refer to the assignment of a specific duty or task to a particular individual or group.
Origin
The word billeted comes from the French word “billet” which means “ticket” or “note”. It was first used in the English language in the 17th century to refer to the practice of assigning soldiers to live in a particular location during times of war.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, billeted means “to assign lodging to”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to provide accommodation for (troops or other individuals)”. In the Cambridge English Dictionary, it is defined as “to provide a place for someone to stay, especially soldiers who are on duty”.
Associations
Billeted is often associated with military settings or times of war when soldiers are required to be stationed in a particular location. It can also be associated with the practice of assigning individuals to a specific duty or task.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for billeted include housed, quartered, stationed, assigned, and accommodated.
Antonyms
Antonyms for billeted include homeless, unassigned, and unaccommodated.
The same root words
Billeted shares its root word with other words such as “billet-doux” which means a love letter and “billet” which means a ticket or note.
Example Sentences
- During the war, soldiers were billeted with local families in the area.
- The company billeted its employees in a nearby hotel during the conference.
- The captain billeted his troops in the barracks for the night.
- The mayor billeted the visiting dignitaries in the town hall.
- The school principal billeted the new teacher in a nearby apartment.