v. [f. L. fībulāt-, ppl. stem of fībulāre to clasp, f. fībula: see FIBULA.] † a. intr. (nonce-use) To perform the action of buttoning and unbuttoning; to fiddle with one’s buttons (obs.–1). † b. trans. (see quot. 1656–81). c. To put a button on (a foil). Hence Fibulated ppl. a. Fibulation (see quot.).
1640. Brome, The Antipodes, II. ii.
| And you Sir, you had got a tricke of late, | |
| Of holding out your bum in a set speech; | |
| Your fingers fibulating on your breast, | |
| As if your Buttons, or your Band-strings were | |
| Helpes to your memory. |
1656–81. Blount, Glossogr., Fibulate, to joyn, or fasten together.
1658. Phillips, Fibulalion, a buttoning, or joyning together.
1832–4. De Quincey, Cæsars, Wks. 1862, IX. 138. Perhaps buttoned, fibulated as in the case of our own foils.
