partlet

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpɑːtlət/

Origin unknown; perhaps a diminutive form of pert, or from its habit of ruffling the feathers round its neck; see Etymology 2 below.

partlet (plural partlets)

1. (now rare, archaic) A hen (originally in the form Dame Partlet). [from 14th c.]
   • Shakespeare

     How now, dame Partlett the hen?

Woman wearing a black dress with white partlet

Origin unknown. Possibly from the mediaeval French name Pertelote.

partlet (plural partlets)

1. (now historical or archaic) A covering for the neck and upper chest, originally worn by both sexes, but later especially by women to cover a low neckline. [from 16th c.]
   • 2011, Thomas Penn, Winter King, Penguin 2012, p. 189:

     On 1 February 1505, he ordered a new set of clothes for prince: an arming doublet of black satin, with fashionable detachable sleeves, and with it an arming partlet or under-collar […]

   • 1979, Cormac McCarthy, Suttree, Random House, p.65:

     A black witch known as Mother She was going along Front Street toward the store, a frail bent shape in black partlet with cane laboring brokenly through the heat.

1918 Webster

• Platter, platter, prattle