[riv.et] n [ME ryvette, fr. MF rivet, fr. river to attach] (15c): a headed pin or bolt of metal used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head
[2]rivet vt (15c) 1: to fasten with or as if with rivets
2: to upset the end or point of (as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head
3: to fasten firmly "they ~ these feelings ... tightly together --Michael Novak"
4: to attract and hold (as the attention) completely -- riv.et.er n