Definition of the word clothes peg

The origin of the word "clothes peg" can be traced back to the early 19th century when a cloth or garment fastener was first invented. These early devices were typically made of wood and had a simple hinged design that allowed them to be easily attached to clothing items. The term "pegg" originally referred to a small wooden or metal dowel used to mark territory or identify items in various contexts. This term was adapted to describe the wooden fasteners used to hang wet clothes on a line to dry. The name "clothes peg" became widely popular in the late 19th century as the use of laundry lines and clothes pins became more common. The term "clotheshorse" also emerged during this time, referring to a sturdy stand or frame on which wet clothes could be hung to dry inside the house, particularly in colder weather when outdoor lines were impractical. Over time, the design of clothes pins has evolved to include a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, but the basic principle of fastening wet clothes remains the same. In some cultures, alternative terms are used to describe clothes pins, such as "clothes horses" in South Africa or "stavers" in Scandinavia. However, the term "clothes peg" remains the most widely recognized and commonly used term around the world.