The Collaborative International Dictionary
Agraffe \A*graffe"\, n. [F. agrafe, formerly agraffe, OF. agrappe. See Agrappes.]
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A hook or clasp.
The feather of an ostrich, fastened in her turban by an agraffe set with brilliants.
--Sir W. Scott. A hook, eyelet, or other device by which a piano wire is so held as to limit the vibration.
Wiktionary
n. 1 A clasp consisting of a hook which fastens on to a ring. 2 A hook, eyelet, or other device by which a piano wire is so held as to limit the vibration.
Wikipedia
An agraffe is a part found on some pianos. The agraffe is a guide at the tuning-pin end of the string, screwed into the plate, with holes through which the strings pass. It anchors the strings, ensures proper height and determines the speaking length of the string.
Quality agraffes are usually made of solid brass but can be painted or electroplated. They come in 1, 2 or 3-string configurations. They also are available in 2 different sizes (1/4" and 7/32"). The string holes are usually countersunk. They must be installed perpendicular to the strings and their height is adjusted using thin brass shims. They are sometimes difficult to remove and a broken agraffe usually requires a lengthy repair (especially if they are broken into the plate). Worn string holes sometimes cause a buzzing sound which can be corrected by filing inside the agraffe string hole to remove the imperfection.
Usage examples of "agraffe".
She was watched with delight even by the monks for in her black silk gown, ornamented by the brilliant tartan scarf, held together by the gold agraffe which was engraved with the arms of Scotland and Lorraine, her lovely hair loose about her shoulders, she was a charming sight.
A quick twist of her fingers clasped the highest agraffe on her pourpoint, closing the vest to an uncomfortable tightness.
And she fooled herself to believe the blazon was not visible even with the highest agraffe secured.
He fastened the embroidered peacock agraffe at her neck and pulled the hood up over her plaited hair.
He unclasped the silver agraffe at his neck and swung the cloak from his shoulders.
No one guessed that the mourning dress of the celebrated French writer belonged to the merchant Fromery, and that the glittering diamond agraffes in his bosom, and the costly rings on his fingers, were the property of the Jew Hirsch.