A buckle (from Latin buccula)'s a clasp used for fastening two things together, such as the ends of a belt, or for retaining the end of a strap. Before the invention of the zipper, buckles were commonly used to fasten boots and other shoes. History Buckles were used in ancient Greece and Rome, particularly in military equipment and military dress: on (sword)belts, armour, all sorts of equipment strapping, and on horse gear. The word "buckle" stems from the Vulgar Latin buccula - meaning "litt… (More on Buckle)