ˈmɑ:dʒɪn n. & v. --n. 1
the edge or
border of a
surface. 2 a the
blank border on
each side of the
print on a page etc. b a line ruled
esp. on
exercise paper,
marking off a margin. 3 an
amount (of
time,
money, etc.) by
which a
thing exceeds, falls
short, etc. (won by a
narrow margin; a margin of profit). 4 the lower
limit of
possibility,
success, etc. (his
effort fell
below the margin). 5
Austral. an
increment to a
basic wage,
paid for skill. 6 a
sum deposited
with a
stockbroker to
cover the
risk of
loss on a
transaction on
account. --v.tr. (margined, margining)
provide with a margin or
marginal notes. ømargin of
error a usu.
small difference allowed for miscalculation,
change of circumstances, etc. margin
release a
device on a
typewriter allowing a
word to be typed
beyond the margin
normally set. [ME f. L margo -ginis]