n.
Pronunciation: ' tä-g ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: circa 1775
1 : a piece or device for holding or securing: as a : a pin inserted in a nautical knot to make it more secure or easier to slip b : a crosspiece attached to the end of or to a loop in something (as a chain, rope, line, strap, or belt) usually to prevent slipping, to serve in twisting or tightening, or to hold something attached
2 : a device consisting of two bars jointed together end to end but not in line so that when a force is applied to the joint tending to straighten it pressure will be exerted on the parts adjacent or fixed to the outer ends of the bars also : a device with a joint using a toggle