Buckles
metal instruments, consisting of a rim and tongue, used for fastening straps or bands in dress, harness, etc. Both brass and iron are used for them, the chief kinds being called tongue, roller, brace, and gear buckles.
The use of buckles, instead of shoe strings, was introduced into England during the reign of Charles II. They soon became very fashionable, attained an enormous size, and were usually made of silver, set with diamonds and other precious stones.