hook and eye

American  

noun

1. a two-piece clothes fastener, usually of metal, consisting of a hook that catches onto a loop or bar.

2. a three-piece latching device consisting of a hook attached to a screw eye or an eyebolt and a separate screw eye or eyebolt that the hook engages as it bridges a gap, as one between a door and a jamb or a gate and a gatepost.

3. Also called eyehook.  the two-piece portion of such a device consisting of a hook and a screw eye.

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hook and eye British  

noun

1. a fastening for clothes consisting of a small hook hooked onto a small metal or thread loop

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Etymology

Origin of hook and eye

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

Finish, to correspond with, collar, placing a rosette in the centre of the cuff, and fastening with a hook and eye.

From The Lady's Album of Fancy Work for 1850 by Unknown

"Still have to use a hook and eye at the bottom of the coat—blouse," he corrected himself.

From Dangerous Days by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

Not only have I examined the various materials for stains, but I've tested each hook and eye and button and pin.

From The Film Mystery by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

She wore boots laced up at the side, or long boots of soft leather fastened with hook and eye; shoes like a man’s, but not so pointed and extreme.

From English Costume by Calthrop, Dion Clayton

Her black dress ended at the neck abruptly in its own binding and a hook and eye.

From The Pastor's Wife by Arnim, Elizabeth von

Related Words

• hook
• snap