n. & v.
--n.
1. a short descriptive essay or character sketch.
2 an illustration or decorative design, esp. on the title-page of a book, not enclosed in a definite border.
3 a photograph or portrait showing only the head and shoulders with the background gradually shaded off.
--v.tr.
1. make a portrait of (a person) in vignette style.
2 shade off (a photograph or portrait).
Derivatives:
vignettist n.
Etymology: F, dimin. of vigne VINE