Also 4, 6 fortelet. [f. FORT sb. + -LET. (In quot. 1330 it may be an error for forcelete or fortelece: see FORCELET, FORTALICE.)] A small fort.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 4822.
Hys pleyn londes he let hym haue, | |
Bot his forteletes he dide saue. |
1538. Leland, Itin., VII. 55. A lytle poore Steple as a Fortelet for a Brunt.
1613. Sir H. Finch, Law (1636), 354. As if he that took them driue them to a Fortlet or Castle, or out of the Countie, &c.
1781. Justamond, Priv. Life Lewis XV., III. 372. The troops were employed in burning a fortlet.
1817. G. Chalmers, Pref. to Churchyards Chips, Murtons Trag., 159. The master defended the donjon of the fortlet against the regent, and his whole force.
1859. Times, 26 Dec., 7/2. The new fortlets have been completed.