hook and eye

American  

noun

1. a two-piece clothes fastener, usually of metal, consisting of a hook that catches onto a loop or bar.

2. a three-piece latching device consisting of a hook attached to a screw eye or an eyebolt and a separate screw eye or eyebolt that the hook engages as it bridges a gap, as one between a door and a jamb or a gate and a gatepost.

3. Also called eyehook.  the two-piece portion of such a device consisting of a hook and a screw eye.

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hook and eye British  

noun

1. a fastening for clothes consisting of a small hook hooked onto a small metal or thread loop

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Etymology

Origin of hook and eye

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hook and eye

It was Ruth's suggestion that the coats would be improved by a single hook and eye sewed on in the small of the back where the buttons usually are.

From The Gilded Age, Part 3. by Warner, Charles Dudley

Attach a small hook and eye on each end and fasten two leather handles to the crosspieces.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.

Sara noticed that she fastened it with a hook and eye exactly like the ones on Mother's prettiest waist—only this one was more valuable, being of gold.

From The Garden of the Plynck by Minard, Florence

Her black dress ended at the neck abruptly in its own binding and a hook and eye.

From The Pastor's Wife by Arnim, Elizabeth von

Every hook and eye and button on my clothes is moored so tight that even the hand laundry can't tear 'em off.

From Roast Beef, Medium by Ferber, Edna

Related Words

• hook
• snap