I. ˈri-bən noun
Etymology: Middle English riban, from Anglo-French ribane, rubane
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a flat or tubular narrow closely woven fabric (as of silk or rayon) used for trimmings or knitting
b. : a narrow fabric used for tying packages
c. : a piece of usually multicolored ribbon worn as a military decoration or in place of a medal
d. : a strip of colored satin given for winning a place in a competition
2. : a strip of inked fabric (as in a typewriter)
3. plural : reins for controlling an animal
4. : tatter , shred — usually used in plural
a sheet cut to ribbon s
5. : ribband
• rib·bon·like -ˌlīk adjective
II. transitive verb
Date: 1716
1.
a. : to adorn with ribbons
b. : to divide into ribbons
c. : to cover with or as if with ribbons
2. : to rip to shreds