verge
1
(vûrj)
KEY
NOUN:
- The extreme edge or margin; a border. See Synonyms at border.
-
- An enclosing boundary.
- The space enclosed by such a boundary.
- The point beyond which an action, state, or condition is likely to begin or occur; the brink:
on the verge of tears; a nation on the verge of economic prosperity.
-
Architecture
The edge of the tiling that projects over a roof gable.
-
Chiefly British
The shoulder of a road.
- A rod, wand, or staff carried as an emblem of authority or office.
-
Obsolete
The rod held by a feudal tenant while swearing fealty to a lord.
- The spindle of a balance wheel in a clock or watch, especially such a spindle in a clock with vertical escapement.
- The male organ of copulation in certain invertebrates.
intr.v.
verged
,
verg·ing
,
verg·es
- To approach the nature or condition of something specified; come close. Used with on:
a brilliance verging on genius.
- To be on the edge or border:
Her land verges on the neighboring township.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French,
rod, ring, from Latin
virga,
rod, strip
