Obs. Forms: 4–7 force(l)let(t, 4–5 fors(e)let. [a. AF. forcelet (whence Anglo-Lat. forcelletum), f. force: see FORCE sb.1] A little fort or fortress.

1

13[?].  E. E. Allit. P., B. 1199.

        & þay stroken so strayt, þat þay ne stray myȝt
A fote fro þat forselet to forray no goudes.

2

a. 1400–50.  Alexander, 4358. A full faynt forcelett.

3

1548.  Hall, Chron., Hen. VI. (an. 19), 141. Or thei could attain to any toune, or forcelet.

4

1616.  Surfl. & Markh., Country Farme, VII. xix. 670. This house must bee made like vnto a little forcellet or fort strong and with diuers angles, the windowes whereof so flanking one another, that when any approach by stealers or other malitious persons shall bee made to the same, the Keeper may from thence either with his bowes or with some other engines so annoy them, that they shall by no meanes besiege or coope him vp in his house.

5