n. & v.
n. 1 the edge or border of a surface. 2 a the blank border on each side of the print on a page etc. b a line ruled esp. on exercise paper, marking off a margin. 3 an amount (of time, money, etc.) by which a thing exceeds, falls short, etc. (won by a narrow margin; a margin of profit). 4 the lower limit of possibility, success, etc. (his effort fell below the margin). 5 Austral. an increment to a basic wage, paid for skill. 6 a sum deposited with a stockbroker to cover the risk of loss on a transaction on account.
v.tr. (margined, margining) provide with a margin or marginal notes. margin of error a usu. small difference allowed for miscalculation, change of circumstances, etc. margin release a device on a typewriter allowing a word to be typed beyond the margin normally set.
[ ME f. L margo -ginis ]