Factsheet

• Word Type: Adjective
• Pronunciation:
  • British English: /ɛdʒd/
  • U.S. English: /ɛdʒd/
  • Rhyming Words: hedged, wedged, alleged
• Fields: General English, Tools, Botany, Cricket
• First Known Use: Old English (as a participial adjective)

Etymology

The word edged comes from the Old English ecg, meaning “edge” or “cutting blade.” Its participial form describes having a cutting edge, boundary, or border. Over time, the term expanded to include figurative uses and applications in decorative, botanical, and sporting contexts.

Meaning & Use

Definitions

1. Sharpened Cutting Edge(Old English–)
   • Having a sharpened or honed edge, often referring to tools or weapons.
   • Example: “The knight wielded a double-edged sword.”
2. With a Specified Edge or Boundary(Old English–)
   • Having a defined edge or border, often with a descriptor (e.g., red-edged, rough-edged).
   • Example: “The book’s gilt-edged pages glimmered in the sunlight.”
3. Decorative Border(1605–)
   • Having an ornamental edging, especially in clothing or accessories.
   • Example: “She wore a lace-edged scarf.”
4. Cricket Term(1938–)
   • Refers to a ball deflected off the edge of the bat.
   • Example: “The batter scored an edged four through the slips.”
5. Figurative Meaning
   • Describing something figuratively sharp, like wit or tension.
   • Example: “Her remark had an edged tone of sarcasm.”

Quotations in Context

1. Cutting Edge (Old English):
   “My greit twoo edged sword and my lesse tow edged sword.”
   — Lancashire & Cheshire Wills (1546)
2. Decorative Border (1605):
   “Will you buy no shirts, ruffes, sockes, edged lace?”
   — P. Erondelle, French Garden
3. Cricket Usage (1938):
   “An edged catch to Hammond in the slips surprised the fieldsmen.”
   — Sunday Times
4. Figurative Use (1829):
   “Unrivalled in keen-edged satire.”
   — T. Hook, Bank to Barnes

Pronunciation

• Phonetic: /ɛdʒd/
• Rhyming Words: hedged, wedged, alleged

The pronunciation emphasizes the voiced “dʒd” ending, giving it a clipped but clear sound.

Examples in Everyday Use

1. Cutting Tools:
   • “The chef used a finely-edged knife to carve the turkey.”
2. Boundaries or Borders:
   • “The map showed a red-edged boundary separating the territories.”
3. Decorative Objects:
   • “She admired the gold-edged invitations to the gala.”
4. Cricket Match:
   • “The player edged the ball past the slips for a quick single.”
5. Figurative Language:
   • “The politician’s edged remarks hinted at underlying tensions.”

Synonyms

• For Cutting Edge:
  • Sharpened
  • Keen
  • Honed
• For Boundaries:
  • Bordered
  • Rimmed
  • Outlined
• For Decorative Uses:
  • Trimmed
  • Embellished
  • Fringed
• For Figurative Use:
  • Barbed
  • Sharp
  • Acerbic

Cultural and Historical Relevance

1. Historical Tools and Weapons:
   The term edged has long been associated with swords, knives, and other bladed tools. It highlights the importance of precision in craftsmanship.
2. Decorative Edges:
   The use of edged to describe ornamental borders in clothing or objects reflects historical trends in fashion and luxury.
3. Sporting Context:
   The cricket-specific use underscores the descriptive precision needed in sports commentary.
4. Figurative Language:
   Over time, edged has grown to convey subtleties in tone, attitude, or style, particularly in literature and speech.

Conclusion

Edged is a multifaceted adjective that carries literal and figurative meanings across various fields, from tools and weapons to decorative items, cricket, and figurative speech. Its historical origins and evolving uses underscore its versatility and enduring relevance in the English language. Whether describing the sharpness of a blade or the sharpness of a remark, edged remains a potent and descriptive term.

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