A remnant or leftover piece of cloth from cutting out garments; a slit or opening, especially in medieval garments as a decorative or functional element.
From Old French fente, derived from fendre meaning 'to split' or 'to tear.' Related to 'fissure' and 'fenestra,' all involving the concept of opening or splitting.
Medieval tailors weren't wasteful—'fents' were valuable scraps that got repurposed into linings, patches, or sold to people who made smaller items. The fents visible in garments (like slits in sleeves) were both practical, allowing movement, and fashionable status symbols showing off the effort in tailoring.
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