Fringe (?), n. [OF, fringe, F.
frange, prob. fr. L. fimbria fiber, thread, fringe, cf.
fibra fiber, E. fiber, fimbriate.]
1. An ornamental appendage to the border of a
piece of stuff, originally consisting of the ends of the warp,
projecting beyond the woven fabric; but more commonly made separate
and sewed on, consisting sometimes of projecting ends, twisted or
plaited together, and sometimes of loose threads of wool, silk, or
linen, or narrow strips of leather, or the like.
2. Something resembling in any respect a
fringe; a line of objects along a border or edge; a border; an
edging; a margin; a confine.
The confines of grace and the fringes of
repentance.
Jer. Taylor.
3. (Opt.) One of a number of light or
dark bands, produced by the interference of light; a diffraction
band; -- called also interference fringe.
4. (Bot.) The peristome or fringelike
appendage of the capsules of most mosses. See
Peristome.
Fringe tree (Bot.), a small tree
(Chionanthus Virginica), growing in the Southern United
States, and having snow-white flowers, with long pendulous
petals.
Fringe, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Fringed (?); p. pr. & vb. a.
Fringing.] To adorn the edge of with a fringe or as with
a fringe.
Precipices fringed with grass.
Bryant.
Fringing reef. See Coral reefs, under
Coral.
