Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHAP'LET, n. [Fr. chapelet.]

1. A garland or wreath to be worn on the head; the circle of a crown.
2. A string of beads used by Papists by which they count the number of their prayers. They are made sometimes of coral, wood, of diamonds, &c., and are called paternosters. The invention is ascribed to Peter the Hermit, who probably learnt it in the East, as the Orientals use a kind of chaplet, called a chain, rehearsing one of the perfections of God on each link, or head. The Great Mogul is said to have eighteen of these chains, all precious stones. The Turks also use a kind of chaplet in reciting their prayers. – Encyc.
3. In architecture, a little molding, carved into round beads, pearls, olives or the like.
4. In horsemanship, a chapelet, – which see.
5. A tuft of feathers on a peacock's head. – Johnson.
6. A small chapel or shrine. – Hammond.