1. A method of fastening a strap–such as used for belts and shoes, and in interiors for cushion closures and for curtain headings to loop over a pole as tabbed headings.
The buckle is fitted to one end of the strap and a central prong is left free to fit through a pierced hole in the other end of the strap, forming a circle. Variations on the theme have ‘D’ rings and double prongs, or no prongs, though the general principle remains the same.
2. To buckle is to bend under pressure, causing distortion or partial disintegration; there are interesting buckling techniques used in contemporary weaving.