Note:  Do not rely on this information. It is very old.

Buckle

Buckle, a link of metal with a tongue or a catch, used to fasten one thing to another, as in a strap. At one time buckles were used instead of shoe-strings; and their manufacture soon became an important industry. At the close of the 18th century, however, fashion changed again, and the general use of buckles died out.

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