[mar.gin] n [ME, fr. L margin-, margo border--more at mark] (14c) 1: the part of a page or sheet outside the main body of printed or written matter
2: the outside limit and adjoining surface of something: edge "at the ~ of the woods" "continental ~" 3 a: a spare amount or measure or degree allowed or given for contingencies or special situations "left no ~ for error" b (1): a bare minimum below which or an extreme limit beyond which something becomes impossible or is no longer desirable "on the ~ of good taste" (2): the limit below which economic activity cannot be continued under normal conditions
4. a: the difference which exists between net sales and the cost of merchandise sold and from which expenses are usu. met or profit derived b: the excess market value of collateral over the face of a loan c (1): cash or collateral that is deposited by a client with a commodity or securities broker to protect the broker from loss on a contract (2): the client's equity in securities bought with the aid of credit obtained specif. (as from a broker) for that purpose d: a range about a specified figure within which a purchase is to be made
5: measure or degree of difference "the bill passed by a one-vote ~" -- mar.gined adj
[2]margin vt (1715) 1 a: to provide with an edging or border b: to form a margin to: border
2. a: to add margin to "~ up an account" b (1): to use as margin "~ bonds to buy stock" (2): to provide margin for "~ a transaction" c: to buy (securities) on margin