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A buckle is a clasp used to fasten two loose ends, most commonly for a belt. It can also be an ornamental device that resembles a buckle, particularly for shoes. Historically, buckles were crafted with intricate designs by metalsmiths, especially in ancient Greece and Rome, and among Germanic peoples. Animal motifs were common, and buckles were often adorned with precious metals and gems, particularly in the Middle Ages and during the reign of Louis XIV. The word "buckle" has origins in the Latin word for "little cheek," initially referring to a part of a helmet.123

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