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buckle1 definition

buckle (buk′əl)

noun

  1. a clasp on one end of a strap or belt for fastening the other end in place
  2. a clasplike ornament, as for shoes
  3. a clasp on a strap that fits into a matching part on a post, another strap, etc. thereby securing the strap

Etymology: ME bokel, a buckle, boss of a shield < OFr bocle < LL bucula, beaver, shield < L buccula, cheek strap of a helmet, dim. of bucca, cheek: see buccal

transitive verb buckled -·led, buckling -·ling

to fasten or join with a buckle

intransitive verb

  1. to be fastened or joined by a buckle
  2. Obsolete to engage in a struggle; grapple
buckle Idioms

buckle down

☆
to apply oneself energetically; set to work with effort
buckle2 definition

buckle (buk′əl)

transitive verb, intransitive verb buckled -·led, buckling -·ling

to bend, warp, or crumple, as under pressure or in intense heat

Etymology: ME bokelen, to arch the body < bokel, buckle; prob. infl. by OFr bocler, to bulge < bocle: see buckle

noun

a distortion caused by buckling; bend, bulge, kink, etc.
buckle Idioms

buckle under

to give in; yield; submit

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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