Fig
Fig (fig) , noun
[French figue the fruit of the tree, Pr. figa, from Latin ficus fig tree, fig. Compare Fico.]
1.
(Botany) 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.
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. [United States]
4.
The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used in scorn or contempt.
A fig for Peter.
Collocations (7)
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.
Fig gnat (Zoology) , 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 (Botany) , the name of several plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum, some of which are prized for the brilliancy and beauty of their flowers.
Fig tree (Botany) , any tree of the genus Ficus, but especially F. Carica which produces the fig of commerce.
Fig , transitive verb
1.
To insult with a fico, or contemptuous motion. See Fico. [Obsolete]
When Pistol lies, do this, and fig me like
The bragging Spaniard.
2.
To put into the head of, as something useless o{not transcribed} contemptible. [Obsolete] — L'Estrange
Fig , noun
Figure; dress; array. [Colloquial]
Were they all in full fig, the females with feathers on their heads, the males with chapeaux bras?