Holder socket, with an internal "U" shaped spring retaining clip.
Known example appears on a 1/4" hex-drive flexible shaft extension for screwdriver or nut driver bits. It is marked U.S.A. PAT 4644831 ROC PAT 27181.
Cites pat. nos. 717,199, 853,930, 1,056,848, 2,158,728, 2,677,294, 3,665,791, and 3,935,762.