n. 1. a. A small hole or perforation, usually rimmed with metal, cord, fabric, or leather, used for fastening with a cord or hook. b. A metal ring designed to reinforce such a hole; a grommet. 2. A small hole edged with embroidered stitches as part of a design. 3. A peephole. 4. A small eye. [Alteration (influenced by EYE) of Middle English oilet, from Old French oillet, diminutive of oil, eye, from Latin oculus; see okw- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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