What is "aglet"

Aglet \Ag"let\ ([a^]g"l[e^]t), Aiglet \Aig"let\ ([=a]g"l[e^]t), n. [F. aiguillette point, tagged point, dim. of aiguilee needle, fr. LL. acucula for acicula, dim. of L. acus needle, pin; cf. OF. agleter to hook on. See Acute, and cf. Aiguillette.]

1. A tag of a lace or of the points, braids, or cords formerly used in dress. They were sometimes formed into small images. Hence, ``aglet baby'' (
   --Shak.), an aglet image.

2. (Haberdashery) A round white staylace.
   --Beck.

alt. 1 (alternative spelling of aiglet English) 2 The cover at the tip of a shoelace, to prevent it from fraying. 3 A catkin. n. 1 (alternative spelling of aiglet English) 2 The cover at the tip of a shoelace, to prevent it from fraying. 3 A catkin.

1. n. metal or plastic sheath over the end of a shoelace or ribbon [syn: aiglet]

2. ornamental tagged cord or braid on the shoulder of a uniform [syn: aiglet, aiguilette]

An aglet (or aiglet) is a small sheath, often made of plastic or metal, used on each end of a shoelace, cord, or drawstring. An aglet keeps the fibers of the lace or cord from unraveling; its firmness and narrow profile make it easier to hold and easier to feed through the eyelets, lugs, or other lacing guides.