[a. OF. culet, dim. of F. cul bottom: cf. F. culasse, the term actually used. The form COLLET was app. a corruption due to confusion with COLLET sb.1]
1. The horizontal face or plane forming the bottom of a diamond when cut as a brilliant.
1678. Lond. Gaz., No. 1330/4. A Laske, Indian-cut … under the Collet of the thicker side a little round hole.
1874. Westropp, Precious Stones, 4. In a brilliant the culet is the base, and should be two-thirds below the girdle.
2. A part of ancient armor, consisting of overlapping plates, protecting the hinder part of the body below the waist.
1834. Planché, Brit. Costume, 287. The lancier was to wear a close casque or head-piece, culessets, culets, or guarde de reins.
