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

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

Sometimes he wore a biretta with a diamond agraffe and a high plume of heron feathers.

From Napoleon's Campaign in Russia Anno 1812 by Rose, Achilles

Each one acquired a hatkin with its agraffe: some of a greedy nature, by stealth, possessed themselves of two.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 56, No. 346, August, 1844 by Various

His doublet was of cloth of gold, edged with fringe of the same; his cloak of purple velvet, richly embroidered, was fastened on the shoulder by an agraffe of superb diamonds.

From Prince Eugene and His Times by Mühlbach, L. (Luise)