from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Collet \Col"let\, n. [F. collet, dim. fr. L. collum neck. See
{Collar}.]
1. A small collar or neckband. --Foxe.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
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}.
[1913 Webster]
How full the collet with his jewel is! --Cowley.
[1913 Webster]