toggle

[tog-uh l] /ˈtɒg əl/
noun
1.
a pin, bolt, or rod placed transversely through a chain, an eye or loop in a rope, etc., as to bind it temporarily to another chain or rope similarly treated.
2.
a toggle joint, or a device having one.
3.
an ornamental, rod-shaped button for inserting into a large buttonhole, loop, or frog, used especially on sports clothes.
4.
Theater.
  1. Also called toggle rail. a wooden batten across the width of a flat, for strengthening the frame.
  2. Also called toggle iron. a metal device for fastening a toggle rail to a frame.
verb (used with object), toggled, toggling.
5.
to furnish with a toggle.
6.
to bind or fasten with a toggle.
7.
Informal. to turn, twist, or manipulate a toggle switch; dial or turn the switch of (an appliance):
He toggled the TV between the baseball game and the news.
Origin
1760-70; perhaps variant of tackle
Related forms
toggler, noun
British Dictionary definitions for toggles

toggle

/ˈtɒɡəl/
noun
1.
a wooden peg or metal rod fixed crosswise through an eye at the end of a rope, chain, or cable, for fastening temporarily by insertion through an eye in another rope, chain, etc
2.
a wooden or plastic bar-shaped button inserted through a loop for fastening
3.
a pin inserted into a nautical knot to keep it secure
4.
(machinery) a toggle joint or a device having such a joint
verb
5.
(transitive) to supply or fasten with a toggle or toggles
6.
(computing) (intransitive) often foll by between. to switch to a different option, view, application, etc
Derived Forms
toggler, noun
Word Origin
C18: of unknown origin
Word Origin and History for toggles

toggle

n.

1769, "short pin passed through the eye of a rope," a nautical word of uncertain origin, perhaps a frequentative form of tog "tug." Meaning "a kind of wall fastener" is recorded from 1934. Toggle bolt is from 1794; toggle switch first attested 1938.

v.

1836, from toggle (n.). Related: Toggled; toggling.