lacet

Lacet is a French noun that denotes a slender cord or strip used for tying, fastening, or decorating clothing and accessories. In English-language references, lacet is often encountered in discussions of historical costume, footwear, or textile design, and is commonly translated as shoelace or lace.

Definition and form: A lacet is typically a cord—flat or round—constructed from fibers such as cotton, polyester, nylon, or leather. It may be smooth or braided and is usually finished with an aglet or metal tip to facilitate threading. Widths and lengths vary to fit different uses, from narrow shoelaces to longer decorative cords.

Historical and practical uses: Historically, lacets served to fasten boots, shoes, corsets, bodices, and other garments. They also appeared in armor and ceremonial dress where lacing provided both structural support and decorative detail. In contemporary fashion and craft, lacets remain common as shoelaces and as decorative trims on garments, bags, and accessories.

Terminology and variations: The term can refer to the cord itself, the act of lacing, or the particular lacing pattern used, such as crisscross or straight lacing on footwear. The concept is closely related to lace in a broader textile sense and to the English term shoelace.

See also: Lace, Shoelace, Cord.