Dictionary-Definition.com :: Buckle definition

Definition of 'buckle'

noun

Fastener that fastens together two ends of a belt or strap; often has loose prong

noun

A shape distorted by twisting or folding [syn: warp, buckle]

verb

Fasten with a buckle or buckles [syn: buckle, clasp] [ant: unbuckle]

verb

Fold or collapse; "His knees buckled" [syn: buckle, crumple]

verb

Bend out of shape, as under pressure or from heat; "The highway buckled during the heat wave" [syn: heave, buckle, warp]

From: GCIDE

Buckle \Buc"kle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Buckled; p. pr. & vb. n. Buckling.] [OE. boclen, F. boucler. See Buckle, n.]
1. To fasten or confine with a buckle or buckles; as, to buckle a harness. [1913 Webster]
2. To bend; to cause to kink, or to become distorted. [1913 Webster]
3. To prepare for action; to apply with vigor and earnestness; -- formerly, generally used reflexively, but by mid 20th century, usually used with down; -- as, the programmers buckled down and worked late hours to finish the project in time for the promised delivery date. [1913 Webster +PJC]
Cartwright buckled himself to the employment. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]
4. To join in marriage. [Scot.] --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Buckle \Buc"kle\, n. [OE. bocle buckle, boss of a shield, OF. bocle, F. boucle, boss of a shield, ring, fr. L. buccula a little cheek or mouth, dim. of bucca cheek; this boss or knob resembling a cheek.]
1. A device, usually of metal, consisting of a frame with one more movable tongues or catches, used for fastening things together, as parts of dress or harness, by means of a strap passing through the frame and pierced by the tongue. [1913 Webster]
2. A distortion bulge, bend, or kink, as in a saw blade or a plate of sheet metal. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
3. A curl of hair, esp. a kind of crisp curl formerly worn; also, the state of being curled. [1913 Webster]
Earlocks in tight buckles on each side of a lantern face. --W. Irving. [1913 Webster]
Lets his wig lie in buckle for a whole half year. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
4. A contorted expression, as of the face. [R.] [1913 Webster]
'Gainst nature armed by gravity, His features too in buckle see. --Churchill. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Buckle \Buc"kle\ (b[u^]k"k'l), v. i.
1. To bend permanently; to become distorted; to bow; to curl; to kink. [1913 Webster]
Buckled with the heat of the fire like parchment. --Pepys. [1913 Webster]
2. To bend out of a true vertical plane, as a wall. [1913 Webster]
3. To yield; to give way; to cease opposing. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
The Dutch, as high as they seem, do begin to buckle. --Pepys. [1913 Webster]
4. To enter upon some labor or contest; to join in close fight; to struggle; to contend. [1913 Webster]
The bishop was as able and ready to buckle with the Lord Protector as he was with him. --Latimer. [1913 Webster]
In single combat thou shalt buckle with me. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
To buckle to, to bend to; to engage with zeal. [1913 Webster]
To make our sturdy humor buckle thereto. --Barrow. [1913 Webster]
Before buckling to my winter's work. --J. D. Forbes. [1913 Webster]