Formerly alet. [a. Fr. ailette, OFr. alete; dim. of aile wing:—L. āla.] A steel plate worn by men-at-arms on their shoulders, the prototype of the modern epaulette.
c. 1440. Morte Arthure, 2565. An alet enamelde he oches in sondire.
1834. Planché, Brit. Costume, 108. Towards the close of this [Edward I.’s] reign those curious ornaments called ailettes, or little wings, from their situation and appearance, are seen on the shoulders of knights.
