martlet Meaning, Definition & Usage

Mart"let noun

Etymology

F. martinet. See Martin the bird, and cf. Martinet a disciplinarian.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) The European house martin.
2. Cf. F. merlette. (Her.) A bird without beak or feet; -- generally assumed to represent a martin. As a mark of cadency it denotes the fourth son.