What does mantelet mean?
A mantelet is most commonly a small shield or shield-like charge in heraldry. The term can also refer, in older and literary usage, to a short cloak or cape. In its heraldic sense, a mantelet is treated as an emblematic device and may be depicted with its own colours, markings, or charges. Its name reflects its association with a mantle or cloak and is related to the English word mantle. Although the word is not frequent in general modern writing, it remains useful when reading heraldic descriptions, studying historical costume, or interpreting older texts. In those contexts, its exact sense depends on context: in an account of arms it denotes a small shield-like emblem, whereas in a historical description of clothing it denotes an outer garment.
A small shield or shield-like charge in heraldry.
"The coat of arms bears a green mantelet charged with a silver cross."
Chiefly used in heraldry and specialist descriptions of coats of arms.
A short cloak or cape, especially in historical or literary usage.
"She drew the mantelet around her shoulders as the wind rose."
Now chiefly historical or literary; uncommon in everyday modern English.
The regular plural of the noun, especially in heraldic descriptions.
"Two mantelets flank the central shield."
A mantelet is literally a “little mantle”: an old name that survives most clearly in heraldry for a small shield.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mantelet come from?
The word comes through French from mantelet, a diminutive of mante, meaning “cloak” or “mantle.” Its ultimate source is Latin mantum, an ancient term for a cloak or covering. The garment sense reflects this literal history, while the heraldic sense developed through the use of mantelet for a small shield-like device.
How mantelet is actually used
The heraldic sense is uncommon outside specialist writing. The clothing sense is historical or literary and may appear in descriptions of older dress.
Easily confused with mantelet
Mantelet and mantlet are variant spellings of the same noun, not separate heraldic devices.