poppet

American  

[pop-it] / ˈpɒp ɪt /

noun

1. Also called poppet valve.  Machinery. a rising and falling valve consisting of a disk at the end of a vertically set stem, used in internal-combustion and steam engines.

2. British Dialect. a girl or child (used as a term of endearment).

3. Nautical. any of the vertical timbers bracing the bow or stern of a vessel about to be launched.

4. poppit.

5. poppethead.

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poppet British  

/ ˈpɒpɪt /

noun

1. a term of affection for a small child or sweetheart

2. Also called: poppet valve.  a mushroom-shaped valve that is lifted from its seating against a spring by applying an axial force to its stem: commonly used as an exhaust or inlet valve in an internal-combustion engine

3. nautical a temporary supporting brace for a vessel hauled on land or in a dry dock

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Etymology

Origin of poppet

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; earlier form of puppet

Example Sentences

Let’s wrap those up for you, shall we, poppet?

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2014

Adolescent pop poppet Justin Bieber constantly Tweets photos of himself with his shirt off to the shrieking delight of his huge online following.

From The Guardian • Jul. 13, 2013

The camera went berserk as the curly-headed poppet blinked in surprise as she clutched her teddy bear.

From The Guardian • Nov. 23, 2010

With effusive courtesy the examiner asks the license candidate to explain the difference between poppet valves and sleeve valves, stating the merits and defects of each.

From Time Magazine Archive

I remembered the haint in the marsh that had tricked me with the poppet doll.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce