Rivet \Riv"et\, n. [F., fr. river to rivet; perh. fr. Icel. rifa to fasten together. Cf. Reef part of a sail.]

A metallic pin with a head, used for uniting two plates or pieces of material together, by passing it through them and then beating or pressing down the point so that it shall spread out and form a second head; a pin or bolt headed or clinched at both ends.

With busy hammers closing rivets up. --Shak.

Rivet joint, or Riveted joint, a joint between two or more pieces secured by rivets.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Rivet \Riv"et\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Riveted; p. pr. & vb. n. Riveting.]

1. To fasten with a rivet, or with rivets; as, to rivet two pieces of iron.

2. To spread out the end or point of, as of a metallic pin, rod, or bolt, by beating or pressing, so as to form a sort of head.

3. Hence, to fasten firmly; to make firm, strong, or immovable; as, to rivet friendship or affection.

Rivet and nail me where I stand, ye powers! --Congreve.

Thus his confidence was riveted and confirmed. --Sir W. Scott.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)