Small cylindrical or tapered pieces of wood, plastic, or metal used for fastening, hanging, or plugging holes. Also refers to artificial legs or limbs.
From Middle Dutch pegge, possibly related to peg meaning a wooden pin. The word has been used since the 15th century for various small fastening devices. The slang use for artificial legs comes from the resemblance of early prosthetics to wooden pegs.
Pegs represent one of humanity's simplest and most versatile inventions - a basic cylinder that can hold, hang, plug, or fasten almost anything. The phrase 'square peg in a round hole' captures how these humble objects became metaphors for compatibility and belonging in human society.
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