Aglet

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For the Java-based mobile agent platform, see Aglets.

Three identical shoelaces tipped with three different aglets: Copper, plastic and brass

An aglet or aiglet is a small plastic or metal sheath on the end of shoelaces (or any type of lace, though shoelaces are the most commonly referenced), which keeps the twine from unraveling and makes it easier to feed the lace through the eyelets.

The word "aglet" (or "aiglet") comes from Old French "aguillette" (or "aiguillette"), which is the diminutive of "aguille" (or "aiguilee"), meaning "needle". ^[1]This in turn comes from "acus", the original Latin word for needle.

Although aglets today are almost always made of clear plastic, in times past aglets were usually made of metal, glass, or stone. Many were highly ornamental, and made of precious metals such as silver. Before the invention of buttons, they were used on the ends of ribbons to fasten clothing together. Sometimes they would be formed into small figures. Shakespeare calls this type of figure an "aglet baby" in The Taming of the Shrew. (See aiguillette (ornament).) Purely decorative metal ornaments called aiguillette are sometimes features of modern military dress uniforms.

[edit] In popular culture

In the episode "The Pizza Man" Batman claims that "aglest are an amazing factor in the ecosystem. Everyone of them eats, sleeps and shits on your shoes.".
In the Justice League Unlimited episode "Question Authority", The Question says: "The tips at the end of shoelaces are called 'aglets'. Their true purpose is sinister."
In the CSI: Miami episode "Going, Going, Gone" an aglet found at the scene of the crime is used to identify the perpetrator.
In an Archie comic, Jughead is asked: "What have you got there?" He replies: "A bag of aglets."^{[citation needed]}
In the 1988 film Cocktail, the character played by Tom Cruise speculates about the inventor of the aglet, receiving the reply: "Hmmm. It's probably got one of those weird names too like - aahh, 'flugelbinder'".
In an episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, London asks Maddie if one could buy the "little thing" found on the tips of shoelaces, for which the appropriate term is unknown. Maddie then responds, "You mean an aglet?"