Billets are a term that can have various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can refer to a ticket or a small piece of paper used for identification, lodging, or military assignment. The word billets has its roots in the French language, and it has been in use for centuries. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of billets.
Definitions
Billets are small pieces of paper or cards that are used for identification or lodging. In the military, billets are used to assign soldiers to specific quarters or positions. It is also used to refer to a ticket or a voucher that entitles the holder to a particular service or privilege.
Origin
The word billets originated from the French language, where it referred to a small piece of wood used for fuel. The term was later used to refer to a ticket or a small piece of paper used for identification or lodging. The word billets was first used in the English language in the 15th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, billets are defined as “a ticket or voucher entitling the holder to a particular service or privilege.” Merriam-Webster defines billets as “a ticket or a small piece of paper used for identification or lodging.”
Associations
Billets are often associated with the military, where they are used to assign soldiers to specific quarters or positions. They are also used in the hospitality industry to refer to a voucher or ticket that entitles the holder to a particular service or privilege.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of billets include tickets, vouchers, cards, passes, and coupons.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of billets, but some words that are opposite in meaning include denial, rejection, and exclusion.
The same root words
The word billets shares its root with other words such as billet-doux, which means a love letter, and billet-reading, which refers to the reading of a play or a performance.
Example Sentences
- The soldier was assigned a billet in the barracks.
- The hotel gave us a billet for a free breakfast.
- She presented the billet to the theater usher to gain entry.
- The concert tickets were sold out, and we couldn’t get a billet.
- The billet-doux he received from his lover brought tears to his eyes.