Col″let (?), n. [F. collet, dim. fr. L. collum neck. See Collar.] 1. A small collar or neckband. Foxe.
2. (Mech.) A small metal ring; a small collar fastened on an arbor; as, the collet on the balance arbor of a watch; a small socket on a stem, for holding a drill.
3. (Jewelry) (a) The part of a ring containing the bezel in which the stone is set. (b) The flat table at the base of a brilliant. See Illust. of Brilliant.
How full the collet with his jewel is!
Cowley.