Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Eyelet \Eye"let`\, n. [F. [oe]illet, dim. of [oe]il eye, fr. L.
   oculus. See {Eye}, and cf. {Oillet}.]
   1. A small hole or perforation to receive a cord or fastener,
      as in garments, sails, etc.

   2. A metal ring or grommet, or short metallic tube, the ends
      of which can be bent outward and over to fasten it in
      place; -- used to line an eyelet hole.

   {Eyelet hole}, a hole made for an eyelet.

   {Eyelet punch}, a machine for punching eyelet holes and
      fastening eyelets, as in paper or cloth.

   {Eyelet ring}. See {Eyelet}, 2.

Source : WordNet®

eyelet
     n 1: a small hole (usually round and finished around the edges)
          in cloth or leather for the passage of a cord
     2: fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole
        to permit the attachment of cords or lines [syn: {cringle},
         {loop}, {grommet}, {grummet}]