eyelet

Etymology

From Middle English oylet, from Old French oillet, equivalent to Old French oil (“eye”) + -et (diminutive suffix). Spelling as eye + -let is due to folk etymology.

noun

1. An object that consists of a rim and small hole or perforation to receive a cord or fastener, as in garments, sails, etc. An eyelet may reinforce a hole.
   Push the aglet of the shoelace through each of the eyelets, one at a time.
2. A shaped metal embellishment containing a hole, used in scrapbook. Eyelets are typically set by punching a hole in the page, placing the smooth side of the eyelet on a table, positioning the paper over protruding edge and curling the edge down using a hammer and eyelet setter.
3. Cotton fabric with small holes.
4. The contact tip of the base of a light bulb.
5. A peephole.
6. A little eye.

verb

1. (transitive) To make eyelets in.