Aglet
/ˈæɡ.lət/noun
A small metal, plastic, or other sheath fitted to the end of a shoelace, cord, or ribbon.
Did you know?Aglets were not merely practical: elaborate versions were once worn as decorative ornaments on clothing and could signal wealth or fashion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂eḱ-
“Sharp; pointed”
Classical Latin
Latin
acus
“Needle or sharp point”
Late Latin
Latin
acucula
“Small needle”
Old French
Old French
aguillette / aiguillette
“A small needle-like point, needle tip, or lace tip”
Middle English
English
aglet
“A metal tip or ornament attached to a lace or cord”
Modern English
English
aglet
“A small sheath protecting and stiffening the end of a shoelace, cord, or ribbon”
Explore more surprising origins