Edging

/ˈɛdʒɪŋ/ noun

Definition

A border or trim along the edge of something; moving slowly or gradually toward something.

Etymology

From Old English 'ecg' (edge, point) + '-ing' suffix. The word has been used since before 1000 AD to describe the sharp side of objects, and the '-ing' form refers either to objects that form edges or to the action of moving inch by inch.

Kelly Says

Edging is a perfect example of how one word can have completely different meanings depending on context—you can put edging on a garden bed (decoration) or use edging to move toward a door (a gradual action). This word shows how verbs and nouns often spring from the same root and develop separate lives.

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