n. A collared, usually ruffled covering for the neck and shoulders, popular in Europe in the 1500s and worn especially by women. [Alteration of Middle English patelet, from Old French patelete, band of cloth, diminutive of pate, paw; see PATOIS.] ![]() (click for a larger image) partletc. 1560-1570 portrait of Philippine Welser (1527-1580), wife of Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria (1529-1595) |
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