[fringe] n, often attrib [ME frenge, fr. MF, fr. (assumed) VL frimbia, fr. L fimbriae (pl.)] (14c) 1: an ornamental border consisting of short straight or twisted threads or strips hanging from cut or raveled edges or from a separate band
2. a: something resembling a fringe: edge, periphery--often used in pl. "operated on the ~s of the law" b: one of various light or dark bands produced by the interference or diffraction of light c: an area bordering a putting green on a golf course with grass trimmed longer than on the green itself 3 a: something that is marginal, additional, or secondary to some activity, process, or subject b: a group with marginal or extremist views c: fringe benefit -- fringy adj
[2]fringe vt fringed ; fring.ing (15c) 1: to furnish or adorn with a fringe
2: to serve as a fringe for: border