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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[F., dim. of

style

; cf. It.

stiletto

. See

A small poniard; a stiletto.

(Surg.)

(a)

An instrument for examining wounds and fistulas, and for passing setons, and the like; a probe, – called also

specillum

(b)

A stiff wire, inserted in catheters or other tubular instruments to maintain their shape and prevent clogging.

(Zool.)

Any small, more or less rigid, bristlelike organ;

as, the caudal

stylets

of certain insects; the ventral

stylets

of certain Infusoria

Noun.

[from style.] A small poniard or dagger.