a small poniard; a stiletto.-an instrument for examining wounds and fistulas, and for passing setons, and the like; a probe, -- called also specillum.-a stiff wire, inserted in catheters or other tubular instruments to maintain their shape and prevent clogging.-any small, more or less rigid, bristlelike organ; as, the caudal stylets of certain insects; the ventral stylets of certain infusoria.