agraffe

American  

[uh-graf] / əˈgræf /

Or agrafe

noun

1. a small cramp iron.

2. a clasp, often richly ornamented, for clothing or armor.

3. a device, as a hook, for preventing vibration in the section of a piano string between the pin and the bridge.

4. (in classical architecture) a sculptural relief on the face of a keystone.

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agraffe British  

/ əˈɡræf /

noun

1. a fastening consisting of a loop and hook, formerly used in armour and clothing

2. a metal cramp used to connect stones

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Etymology

Origin of agraffe

1660–70; < French, variant of agrafe, noun derivative of agrafer to hook, equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + grafe hook, cramp iron, probably < Germanic; see grape

Example Sentences

The feather of an ostrich, fastened in her turban by an agraffe set with brilliants.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah

The king appeared in a Turkish dress; his turban was ornamented with a magnificent agraffe of diamonds; the Lady Yarmouth was dressed as a sultana; nobody was more beautiful than the Princess of Hesse.”

From Henry Esmond; The English Humourists; The Four Georges by Saintsbury, George

A young girl is about to join together on her left shoulder the chiton, which is fastened over the right shoulder by means of an agraffe.

From Museum of Antiquity A Description of Ancient Life by Haines, T. L. (Thomas Louis)

On the day of her marriage she distributed a thousand francs among the poor, and her friends showered costly gifts on her, among them being an agraffe of pearls from the Queen of France.

From Great Singers, Second Series Malibran To Titiens by Ferris, George T. (George Titus)

The children had already become such close friends that Aranka allowed Feriz Beg to carry her in to dinner, playing all the time with childish coquetry with the diamond clasp of his agraffe.

From 'Midst the Wild Carpathians by J?kai, M?r