template
    n 1: a model or standard for making comparisons [syn:
         template, templet, guide]

Template \Tem"plate\, n.
   Same as Templet.
   [1913 Webster]

Templet \Tem"plet\, n. [LL. templatus vaulted, from L. templum a
   small timber.] [Spelt also template.]
   1. A gauge, pattern, or mold, commonly a thin plate or board,
      used as a guide to the form of the work to be executed;
      as, a mason's or a wheelwright's templet.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Arch.) A short piece of timber, iron, or stone, placed in
      a wall under a girder or other beam, to distribute the
      weight or pressure.
      [1913 Webster]

template

    A document that contains parameters, identified by some
   special syntax, that are replaced by actual arguments by the
   template processing system.  For example:

    Dear ,  would like to invite you
    to a party at  on  at .

   Where the words in angle brackets are the parameters to be
   replaced by the name of an actual guest, etc.

   More sophisticated systems allow repetition, where a section
   is repeated in a single output document using a list of
   inputs; conditional sections or (nested) inclusion of other
   templates.

   See also class template.

   (2007-10-14)