Spangle
/ˈspæŋ.ɡəl/noun
A small ornamental piece of shining metal or plastic sewn onto clothing or used as decoration.
Did you know?Spangle is related to English sparkle and spangle-like forms in other Germanic languages, all tracing back to an ancient root for shining or flashing light.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*spangō
“a shining ornament, clasp, or metal plate”
Old English
OE
spanca / spang
“a clasp, buckle, or metal fastening”
Middle English
ME
spangel
“a small shining plate or ornament”
16th Century
English
spangle
“a small sparkling ornament sewn on clothing”
Modern English
English
spangle
“a small decorative disc that reflects light”