gasket

Etymology

Perhaps from Middle French garcette (“gasket”), from Old French garce (“young woman”), feminization of garçon.

noun

1. (sailing) A length of rope or canvas band used for reefing a sail, or holding a stowed sail in place.
2. (mechanics) Any mechanical seal that serves to fill the space between two objects, generally to prevent leakage between the two objects while under compression.
   Three major types of oil-pan gaskets are available: cork/ neoprene composition, neoprene and Hypalon Duraprene. Most professionals prefer cork/neoprene gaskets because the oil-pan bolts seem to lose their torque with the others. 1985, Ron Sessions, The Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 Handbook, Penguin, page 12
3. A material which may be clamped between faces and acts as a static seal. Gaskets may be cut, formed, or molded to the desired configuration.
4. Any of a wide variety of seals or packings used between matched machine parts or around pipe joints to prevent the escape of a gas or fluid.

verb

1. To fit a gasket
2. To seal wth a gasket