Peggy

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small wooden peg or bolt used to fasten or secure something in place
2. A short wooden pin or fastener inserted to hold two pieces together
3. A wooden dowel or peg employed as a securing device in construction or carpentry

Etymology: A pet form of Margaret, Peggy began as a nickname. Margaret itself comes from Greek "margarites," meaning pearl, which passed through Latin "margarita" before reaching English. Shortening a formal name and adding a "-y" or "-ie" ending was a common way for families to turn a grand name into an affectionate one. From the personal name, this term took on a separate life as an ordinary word, so its sense has to be read from its use rather than from the name. Its origin in a given name is the clearest thread connecting it to the Greek pearl.