wristlet
(ˈrɪstlɪt)
[f. as prec. + -let.]
1. a. (See quot.)
| 1847 Webster, Wristlet, an elastic band worn by ladies around the wrist, to confine the upper part of a glove. [Hence in some later Dicts.] |
b. A bracelet; = wristband 2.
| 1851 Catal. Gt. Exhib. 862 Articles for the Modea, Djedda, and Mecca Markets:..Armlets and wristlets. 1863 Speke Discov. Nile viii. 203 The king..wore, for ornament, neatly-worked wristlets of copper. 1889 Daily News 8 June 5/4 The poor little creature..had been decorated with a pair of silver wristlets. |
c. A handcuff, a wrist-iron.
| 1881 Daily Tel. 31 Dec. 6/1 Wearing black dresses instead of grey, with leg irons as well as wristlets, to show that they were bad-conduct men. 1901 Daily News 1 Feb. 7/5 The illegal use..of belts, anklets, and wristlets, in restraining violent lunatics. |
d. A small strap for wearing on the wrist. Also attrib.
| 1891 Times 16 Oct. 4/6 Blue gauntlet gloves, and watch in wristlet. 1914 Ibid. 24 Aug. 9/4 Stealing a wristlet watch..from a dressing-box at the baths. |
2. An ornamental band or covering for the wrist.
| 1851 Illustr. Lond. News 19 July 86/1 Wrought muslin wristlets about two inches in width. 1861 T. B. Aldrich Pampina Poems (1875) 90 A siren lithe..With wristlets woven of scarlet weeds. |
b. A muffetee. Cf. wristband 1 b, wrister.
| 1869 Eng. Mechanic 26 Nov. 264/1 Wristlets, muffs, collarettes,..in different patterns,..are knitted on the LK knitter. 1888 Century Mag. XXXVI. 771/1 Knitted gloves, suspenders, comforters, wristlets. |