▪ I. † ˈforcelet1 Obs.
Forms: 4–7 force (l)let(t, 4–5 fors(e)let.
[a. AF. forcelet (whence Anglo-Lat. forcelletum), f. force: see force n.1]
A little fort or fortress.
| 13.. E.E. Allit. P. B. 1200 Þay ne stray myȝt A fote fro þat forselet to forray no goudes. a 1400–50 Alexander 4358 A full faynt forcelett. 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. VI (an. 19) 141 Or thei could attain to any toune, or forcelet. 1616 Surfl. & Markh. Country Farme vii. xix. 670 This house must bee made like vnto a little forcellet or fort strong. |
▪ II. † ˈforcelet2 Obs.
Also forslet.
[Corruptly a. OF. forceret, dim. of forcer: see forcer1.]
A small ‘forcer’ or coffer.
| c 1475 Partenay 1081 A forcelet wrought fresh of yuor bon. 1532 in Weaver Wells Wills (1890) 167 Elyn Samplyn my serv a copull of benches and a forslet. 1565 Jewel Def. Apol. (1611) 281 To carrie home the Sacrament in their Napkins, and to keepe it in forcelets. |