I. noun
or sel·vedge ˈselvij, -vēj
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English selvage, probably from MFlemish selvage, selvegge, from selv- self- + egge edge; akin to Old English self- and to Old High German ecka edge — more at self- , edge
1.
a.
(1) : the edge on either side of a woven or flat-knitted fabric so finished as to prevent raveling ; specifically : a narrow border often woven of different or heavier threads than the fabric and sometimes in a different weave — see split 2e
(2) : the margin of a sheet or booklet pane of stamps having an outside straight edge as contrasted with the perforated edge of the margin of a single stamp
b. : an edge (as of fabric or paper) meant to be cut off and discarded : a waste cutting
begging people to use the selvages and scraps of their time — Sinclair Lewis
2. : border , edge
actually believes it up to the selvage of his consciousness — Rex Stout
his nondescript, worsted, uncreased trousers, mud-spattered at the selvage — A.J.Cronin
3. : a rope or wire selvagee
4. : gouge 4
5. : the edge plate of a lock through which the bolt is projected
II. transitive verb
or selvedge “
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to form a border to
all the tiny settlements selvaging the desert — All-Story Weekly