selvage

or sel·vedge

[ sel-vij ]

noun

1. the edge of woven fabric finished so as to prevent raveling, often in a narrow tape effect, different from the body of the fabric.
2. any similar strip or part of surplus material, as at the side of wallpaper.
3. Also called margin. Philately. the surplus paper or margin around a sheet of stamps:

   The number of the plate block appears in the selvage.

4. a plate or surface through which a bolt of a lock passes.

selvage

/ ˈsɛlvɪdʒ /

noun

1. the finished nonfraying edge of a length of woven fabric
2. a similar strip of material allowed in fabricating a metal or plastic article, used esp for handling components during manufacture

Derived Forms

• ˈselvaged, adjective

Other Words From

• selvaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of selvage¹

1425–75; late Middle English, respelling of self + edge, modeled on Middle Dutch selfegghe ( Dutch zelfegge )

Word History and Origins

Origin of selvage¹

C15: from self + edge ; related to Dutch selfegghe, German Selbende

Example Sentences

Think blazer coats with white overstitching and cut as if to reveal the selvage edge of the fabric.

From New York Times

Then, as you got older, you got those stiff, selvage jeans from A.P.C.

From Los Angeles Times

She writes from the selvage edge, prose that does not unravel: “My attention was always on the periphery, on what I could see and taste and touch.”

From New York Times

You can also find Japanese selvage denim, Filson shirts and jackets, work boots that look like they’ll last a generation, safety glasses for hazardous manly activities, restored and hand-sharpened vintage axes and motorcycle helmets.

From Washington Post

“Made in America” has become a marketing catchphrase espoused by both Brooklyn $400 selvage denim enthusiasts and Trump isolationists.

From New York Times

Related Words

• brink
• edge
• fringe
• threshold