I. (ˈ)vinˈyet, (ˈ)vēn-, usu -ed.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Middle French vignete young vine, vignette, diminutive of vigne vine — more at vine
1. : a running ornament (as of vine leaves, tendrils, and grapes) put on or just before the title page or at the beginning or end of a chapter of a manuscript or book ; also : a small decorative design or picture so placed
2.
a. : a picture (as an engraving or photograph) that shades off gradually into the surrounding ground or the unprinted paper ; also : the rough or serrated edged mask used to print the picture
b. : a picture on a postage stamp : the pictorial part of a stamp design as distinguished from the frame and lettering
3. : a short literary sketch chiefly descriptive and characterized usually by delicacy, wit, and subtlety
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to apply a vignette to
vignetted plates
2. : to finish (as a photograph) in the manner of a vignette
3. : to describe or sketch delicately or subtly