n. & v.
n. 1 a an ornamental bordering of threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists. b such a bordering made separately. c any border or edging. 2 a a portion of the front hair hanging over the forehead. b a natural border of hair etc. in an animal or plant. 3 an outer edge or margin; the outer limit of an area, population, etc. (often attrib. : fringe theatre). 4 a thing, part, or area of secondary or minor importance. 5 a a band of contrasting brightness or darkness produced by diffraction or interference of light. b a strip of false colour in an optical image. 6 US a fringe benefit.
v.tr. 1 adorn or encircle with a fringe. 2 serve as a fringe to. fringe benefit an employee's benefit supplementing a money wage or salary. fringe medicine systems of treatment of disease etc. not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession. fringing reef a coral reef that fringes the shore. fringeless adj. fringy adj.
[ ME & OF frenge ult. f. LL fimbria (earlier only in pl.) fibres, fringe ]