- Margin
- Margin Mar"gin, n. [OE. margine, margent, L. margo, ginis. Cf.
{March} a border, {Marge}.]
1. A border; edge; brink; verge; as, the margin of a river or
lake.
[1913 Webster]
2. Specifically: The part of a page at the edge left uncovered in writing or printing. [1913 Webster]
3. (Com.) The difference between the cost and the selling price of an article. [1913 Webster]
4. Something allowed, or reserved, for that which can not be foreseen or known with certainty. [1913 Webster]
5. (Brokerage) Collateral security deposited with a broker to secure him from loss on contracts entered into by him on behalf of his principial, as in the speculative buying and selling of stocks, wheat, etc. It is usually less than the full value of the security purchased, in which case it may be qualified by the portion of the full value required to be deposited; as, to buy stocks on 50% margin. --N. Biddle. [1913 Webster]
{Margin draft} (Masonry), a smooth cut margin on the face of hammer-dressed ashlar, adjacent to the joints.
{Margin of a course} (Arch.), that part of a course, as of slates or shingles, which is not covered by the course immediately above it. See 2d {Gauge}. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Border; brink; verge; brim; rim. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.