Billeted

/bɪˈlɛtəd/ adjective

Definition

Assigned to stay temporarily in someone's home, usually referring to soldiers or travelers given lodging.

Etymology

Past tense of 'billet', from French 'billette' (a small document or note), which evolved to mean a lodging assignment. The military usage developed in the 17th century when soldiers needed to be housed in private homes.

Kelly Says

During World War II, thousands of families in Britain woke up to find soldiers billeted in their spare bedrooms—an entire domestic arrangement system grew up around housing military personnel when barracks didn't exist or weren't enough!

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