selvage

/ˈsɛlvɪdʒ/

Other forms: selvages

A selvage is a finished edge on a piece of fabric, as opposed to an edge that is cut and has loose threads that can be unraveled.

The word selvage (or in the U.K., selvedge) originally referred only to the self-finished edge of fabric woven on a loom, though today it can be used for any material. Literally, the word means "its own edge," from the merging of self and edge. There are many similar words in other languages, including Selbend, "self end," in German. The purpose of the selvage is to keep the fabric from fraying.

Definitions of selvage

1. noun

   the edge of a fabric that is woven so that it will not ravel or fray
   synonyms: selvedge

   type of:

   edge

   the outside limit of an object or area or surface; a place farthest away from the center of something
2. noun

   border consisting of an ornamental fringe at either end of an oriental carpet
   synonyms: selvedge

   type of:

   border

   a strip forming the outer edge of something