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billet

billet

9.6
A short private letter often kept secret
  • noun
  • /ˈbɪlɪt/
  • Archaic
translation icon : nota
  • He quickly wrote a billet to his sister, inviting her to visit during the holidays.
  • a billet-doux

Examples

  • Dear Emily: I got your very nice billet-doux.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • As for Emily's "billet-doux," Barak tore it up and tried to put it from his mind as well.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Send her a billet-doux

  • - A billet-doux?

  • A billet-doux.

  • The Prince and I were made of sterner stuff, and soon afterward I received a discreet royal billet-doux demanding an immediate audience with Rassigart, if I had "any trace of honor."

    Fiction book (1997)
  • I don't think of myself as a sneaky sort, but this is pretty damn sneaky, tucking a billet-doux of mine into my father's letter to you.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • I mean to parlay this game leg into a cushy billet, touring ladies' clubs, telling tall tales of combat—never getting closer to France than Brighton.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • I received a billet from my friend, sharing her exciting news about her upcoming wedding.

  • The artist sent a heartfelt billet to his fans, thanking them for their support.

Synonyms

note
vsbillet
1.0

A short written message to remind or tell someone something

is more personal and often informal or secret rather than a general reminder
line
vsbillet
237 3.1

A short personal note sent to another person

is usually more informal or secret rather than simply very brief
personal letter
vsbillet
  • Informal
7 1.0

A private written message sent to one person about personal matters

is narrower, meaning a short informal or secret personal message
billet doux
vsbillet
9.9

A short personal letter that shows love or romantic feelings

is used for informal or secret personal messages beyond romantic expressions

Compounds

A short personal letter that shows love or romantic feelings

Surface Forms

billet singular
billets plural

Etymology

Billet meaning a short personal letter comes from French for a 'small note' used for quick or secret messages, which is why a billet can be a brief love note or private message.