Adjacent Words

fig leaf definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: a leaf from a fig tree
2: a covering consisting of anything intended to conceal something regarded as shameful

Merriam Webster's

noun Date: 14th century 1. the leaf of a fig tree 2. [from the use by Adam and Eve of fig leaves to cover their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis
3:7)] something that conceals or camouflages usually inadequately or dishonestly

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Fig Fig, n. [F. figue the fruit of the tree, Pr. figa, fr. L. ficus fig tree, fig. Cf. Fico.] 1. (Bot.) A small fruit tree (Ficus Carica) with large leaves, known from the remotest antiquity. It was probably native from Syria westward to the Canary Islands. 2. The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong shape, and of various colors. Note: The fruit of a fig tree is really the hollow end of a stem, and bears numerous achenia inside the cavity. Many species have little, hard, inedible figs, and in only a few does the fruit become soft and pulpy. The fruit of the cultivated varieties is much prized in its fresh state, and also when dried or preserved. See Caprification. 3. A small piece of tobacco. [U.S.] 4. The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used in scorn or contempt. ``A fig for Peter.'' --Shak. Cochineal fig. See Conchineal fig. Fig dust, a preparation of fine oatmeal for feeding caged birds. Fig faun, one of a class of rural deities or monsters supposed to live on figs. ``Therefore shall dragons dwell there with the fig fauns.'' --Jer. i. 39. (Douay version). Fig gnat (Zo["o]l.), a small fly said to be injurious to figs. Fig leaf, the leaf tree; hence, in allusion to the first clothing of Adam and Eve (Genesis iii.7), a covering for a thing that ought to be concealed; esp., an inadequate covering; a symbol for affected modesty. Fig marigold (Bot.), the name of several plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum, some of which are prized for the brilliancy and beauty of their flowers. Fig tree (Bot.), any tree of the genus Ficus, but especially F. Carica which produces the fig of commerce.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

(fig leaves) 1. A fig leaf is a large leaf which comes from the fig tree. A fig leaf is sometimes used in painting and sculpture to cover the genitals of a naked body. N-COUNT 2. People sometimes refer disapprovingly to something which is intended to hide or prevent an embarrassing situation as a fig leaf. (JOURNALISM) This deal is little more than a fig leaf for the continued destruction of the landscape. N-COUNT: usu with supp [disapproval]

Foolish Dictionary

A small outer garment, next to nothing, worn by Adam 4000 B. C. and occasionally revived by Bostonian Art Committees.