Aglet

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

aglet
    n 1: metal or plastic sheath over the end of a shoelace or
         ribbon [syn: {aglet}, {aiglet}]
    2: ornamental tagged cord or braid on the shoulder of a uniform
       [syn: {aglet}, {aiglet}, {aiguilette}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Aglet \Ag"let\ ([a^]g"l[e^]t), Aiglet \Aig"let\ ([=a]g"l[e^]t),
   n. [F. aiguillette point, tagged point, dim. of aiguilee
   needle, fr. LL. acucula for acicula, dim. of L. acus needle,
   pin; cf. OF. agleter to hook on. See {Acute}, and cf.
   {Aiguillette}.]
   1. A tag of a lace or of the points, braids, or cords
      formerly used in dress. They were sometimes formed into
      small images. Hence, "aglet baby" (--Shak.), an aglet
      image.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Haberdashery) A round white staylace. --Beck.
      [1913 Webster]