vignette etymology

Etymology

The word "vignette" comes from the French word "vigne," meaning "vine" or "vineyard."

Meaning

A vignette is:

  • A small, decorative illustration that is often used to introduce or accompany a chapter or section of a book.
  • A brief, descriptive scene or incident that is often used to begin or end a story or sketch.

Origin

The term "vignette" was first used in the 16th century to refer to the small decorative borders that were often used around the edges of printed pages. These borders often featured images of vines or leaves.

Over time, the term "vignette" began to be used more broadly to refer to any small illustration that was used to decorate a book. By the 19th century, the term was also being used to refer to the short, descriptive scenes or incidents that were often used to begin or end a story or sketch.

Today, the term "vignette" is still used to refer to both types of illustrations. It is a versatile term that can be used to describe a wide range of images, from small decorative borders to full-page illustrations.

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