selvage

or sel·vedge

[ sel-vij ]

noun

1. the edge of woven fabric finished so as to prevent raveling, often in a narrow tape effect, different from the body of the fabric.
2. any similar strip or part of surplus material, as at the side of wallpaper.
3. Also called margin. Philately. the surplus paper or margin around a sheet of stamps:

   The number of the plate block appears in the selvage.

4. a plate or surface through which a bolt of a lock passes.

selvage

/ ˈsɛlvɪdʒ /

noun

1. the finished nonfraying edge of a length of woven fabric
2. a similar strip of material allowed in fabricating a metal or plastic article, used esp for handling components during manufacture

Derived Forms

• ˈselvaged, adjective

Other Words From

• selvaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of selvage¹

1425–75; late Middle English, respelling of self + edge, modeled on Middle Dutch selfegghe ( Dutch zelfegge )

Word History and Origins

Origin of selvage¹

C15: from self + edge ; related to Dutch selfegghe, German Selbende

Example Sentences

First, cut off the list along the selvage edges of the whole piece.

From Project Gutenberg

Cord—The general term is applied to any fabric in which the lines run in the same direction as the selvage.

From Project Gutenberg

If the hem is turned down once and cat stitched, it will resemble the selvage more than a twice turned hem.

From Project Gutenberg

A screw D, binds the jaws together, and hinders the selvage from going inwards.

From Project Gutenberg

Well-made lace has the meshes a little elongated in the direction of the selvage.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brink
• edge
• fringe
• threshold