moulinet

Moulinet is a French noun (masculine) derived from moulin, meaning "mill," with the diminutive suffix -et. The term has several uses that share a common origin in the idea of a small or circular thing.

In fishing, a moulinet is the fishing reel mounted on a rod. It is used to wind and unwind the line and to apply drag; common types include spinning reels and baitcasting reels with components such as the spool, handle, and bail.

In fencing, moulinet denotes a rapid circular movement of the wrist with the blade, used to attack or feint. It is described in fencing manuals and training as a wrist-centered circular action that creates a wide arc.

Beyond these uses, moulinet appears in toponyms and as a surname in French-speaking regions, reflecting its origin as “little mill.”

The word is related to moulin, meaning mill, and cognates appear in related Romance languages.