Search the Dictionary

A narrow strip or shred; as, a steel or magnesium ribbon; sails torn to ribbons.

The principles and practices of the Ribbonmen. See Ribbon Society, under Ribbon.

A member of the Ribbon Society. See Ribbon Society, under Ribbon.

A malvaceous tree (Hoheria populnea) of New Zealand, the bark of which is used for cordage.

A body of persons organized for the advancement of a cause; as, the Blue Ribbon Army.

A small red fish of the genus Cepola; the ribbon fish.

A long, thin, marine fish of Europe (Trichiurus lepturus); the ribbon fish.

(Med.) (a) A pill of prepared mercury, used as an aperient, etc. (b) Blue mass. -- Blue ribbon. (a) The ribbon worn by members of the order of the Garter; -- hence, a member of that order. (b) Anything the attainment of which is an object of great ambition; a distinction; a prize. "These [scholarships] were the blue…

A kind of needle with a large eye and a blunt point, for drawing tape, ribbon, etc., through a loop or a hem; a tape needle. Wedged whole ages in a bodkin's eye. Pope.

An ornamental knot, with projecting lops, formed by doubling a ribbon or string.

A knot of ribbons worn by a guest at a wedding; a wedding favor. [Obs.]

e-grained, and durable. -- Bur reed (Bot.), a plant of the genus Sparganium, having long ribbonlike leaves.

A kind of worsted lace or ribbon. "Caddises, cambrics, lawns." Shak.

A fine, thin, and white fabric made of flax or linen. He hath ribbons of all the colors i' the rainbow; . . . inkles, caddises, cambrics, lawns. Shak.

Any merely ornamental adjunct of a woman's dress, as a bunch of ribbon, lace, etc.

A bunch, knot, or rosette of ribbon or other material, used as an ornament in women's dress.

A knot of silk or ribbon attached to a fan, walking stick, etc. [Obs.]

A mottled appearance given to ribbons and silks in the process of dyeing.

A small loop or bow of ribbon used in making hats, boas, etc.

A cord or ribbon bestowed or borne as a badge of honor; a broad ribbon, usually worn after the manner of a baldric, constituting a mark of a very high grade in an honorary order. Cf. Grand cordon.