Why Is It Called A Frog?

[AndyL1]

So I've always wondered why a sword/dagger/knife frog is called a frog. Anybody care to shed some light on this for me.

Just one of those oddball questions I have on occasion. :-)

-Andy

[DSJackson]

That is one damn fine question, wondered that too but never thought to put it out there.

[WyomingSlick]

Frog is a common term used to describe an item used to join two other items that is shaped like a Y or fork. The term is used for example to describe where two train tracks join together and in metal structures where two members join at an angle. In this case, it is used to refer to the loop used to join the belt and the sheath or scabard.

Edited April 8, 2010 by WyomingSlick

[TimDreamer]

Remember those jackets that used to be fastened in the front by putting a loop over a large piece of horn or a large button? Those loop type fasteners are called frogs. Same principle and wording applies when it comes to scabbards on knives, etc.

Ack!! Ya beat me to it by that much, Slick!! LoL.

Edited April 8, 2010 by TimDreamer

[AndyL1]

Frog is a common term used to describe an item used to join two other items that is shaped like a Y or fork. The term is used for example to describe where two train tracks join together and in metal structures where two members join at an angle. In this case, it is used to refer to the loop used to join the belt and the sheath or scabard.

I understand what a frog IS, but why is the word frog used? Is it because a Y or fork shaped item somehow resembles a frog? I mean, an actual ribbit-ribbit frog has a fat, wide body with two skinny legs coming off of it that could resemble what is described.