collet Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a metal cap or band placed on a wooden pole to prevent splitting
    ferrule.
  2. noun a cone-shaped chuck used for holding cylindrical pieces in a lathe
    collet chuck.
  3. noun a band or collar that holds an individual stone in a jewelry setting

WordNet

Col"let noun
Etymology
F. collet, dim. fr. L. collum neck. See Collar.
Definitions
  1. A small collar or neckband. Foxe.
  2. (Mech.) A small metal ring; a small collar fastened on an arbor; as, the collet on the balance arbor of a watch; a small socket on a stem, for holding a drill.
  3. (Jewelry) (a) The part of a ring containing the bezel in which the stone is set. (b) The flat table at the base of a brilliant. See Illust. of Brilliant.
    How full the collet with his jewel is! Cowley.

Webster 1913