pop·pet 
(pŏpĭt)
(pŏpĭt)n.
1. A poppet valve.
2. Nautical
a. A small removable piece of wood on the washboard of a boat, covering a cutout space that can be used as an oarlock.
b. One of the beams of a launching cradle supporting a ship's hull.
3. Chiefly British A darling.
[Middle English popet, small child, doll, puppet; see PUPPET.]