1 selvage | Definition of selvage

selvage

noun
sel·​vage | \ ˈsel-vij How to pronounce selvage (audio) \
variants: or selvedge

Definition of selvage

1a : the edge on either side of a woven or flat-knitted fabric so finished as to prevent raveling specifically : a narrow border often of different or heavier threads than the fabric and sometimes in a different weave
b : an edge (as of fabric or paper) meant to be cut off and discarded
2 : an outer or peripheral part : border, edge

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Other Words from selvage

selvaged or selvedged \ ˈsel-​vijd How to pronounce selvedged (audio) \ adjective

Examples of selvage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And there is a coat of Prince of Wales check in which the skirt is covered in a swirly, ruffled embroidery made from the scraps of selvage edges left on the cutting room floor. Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "The Top 10 Collections of the Fall 2019 Season," 8 Mar. 2019 Who in their right mind would wriggle into stiff selvage denim and zero-stretch vintage 501s when leggings—which do so much more than hold me during downward dogs and spin classes—exist? Alexandra Ilyashov, Glamour, "A Case For Wearing Maternity Jeans When You’re Not Pregnant," 6 Dec. 2018 Cut out a 4 3/4-by-4-inch piece of patterned fabric, using the selvage as one of the 4 3/4-inch edges. 2. Martha Stewart, star-telegram, "Tips for creating the perfect Thanksgiving table," 1 Nov. 2017 Pin to bottom corner of napkin, 1 inch from edges, leaving selvage edge open at top of pocket. Martha Stewart, star-telegram, "Tips for creating the perfect Thanksgiving table," 1 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'selvage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of selvage

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for selvage

Middle English selfegge, selvage, from self self + egge edge (after Middle Dutch selfegghe)

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More from Merriam-Webster on selvage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about selvage