agraffe

or a·grafe

[ uh-graf ]

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.

agraffe

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of agraffe¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of agraffe¹

C18: from French, from grafe a hook

Example Sentences

What part the Agraffe played in it (a medival beast I imagined) I could not know, could not guess.

From Project Gutenberg

The hair is long, and over it is worn a neat cap with lappets and a golden agraffe and love-knot, to support the hair.

From Project Gutenberg

He added that others such as Stroom, Graith, and Agraffe appeared in his poems.

From Project Gutenberg

But he wrote certain poems, in which Stroom and Graith, and the Agraffe appear.

From Project Gutenberg