GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Fig (fĭg), 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.
   
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   2. The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong shape, and of various colors.
   
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   ☞ 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.
   
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   3. A small piece of tobacco. [U.S.]
   
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   4. The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used in scorn or contempt. “A fig for Peter.”  Shak.
   
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   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 (Zool.), 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.
   
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2.       
   Fig, v. t. [See Fico, Fig, n.]
   1. To insult with a fico, or contemptuous motion. See Fico. [Obs.]
   
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   When Pistol lies, do this, and fig me like
   
   The bragging Spaniard. Shak.
   
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   2. To put into the head of, as something useless o contemptible. [Obs.]  L'Estrange.
   
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3.       
   Fig, n. Figure; dress; array. [Colloq.]
   
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   Were they all in full fig, the females with feathers on their heads, the males with chapeaux bras? Prof. Wilson.
   
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