1 Brit. colloq. (esp. as a term of endearment) a small or dainty person.
2 (in full poppet-head) the head of a lathe.
3 a small square piece of wood fitted inside the gunwale or washstrake of a boat.
Phrases and idioms:
poppet-head Brit. the frame at the top of a mine-shaft supporting pulleys for the ropes used in hoisting. poppet-valve Engin. a mushroom-shaped valve, lifted bodily from its seat rather than hinged.
Etymology: ME popet(te), ult. f. L pup(p)a: cf. PUPPET
Useful english dictionary. 2012.