n. & v.
n. 1 a device for fastening (esp. a garment), consisting of a crosspiece which can pass through a hole or loop in one position but not in another. 2 a pin or other crosspiece put through the eye of a rope, a link of a chain, etc., to keep it in place. 3 a pivoted barb on a harpoon. 4 Computing a switch action that is operated the same way but with opposite effect on successive occasions.
v.tr. provide or fasten with a toggle. toggle joint a device for exerting pressure along two jointed rods by applying a transverse force at the joint. toggle switch an electric switch with a projecting lever to be moved usu. up and down.
[ 18th-c. Naut.: orig. unkn. ]