Fig tree

Fig Fig (f[i^]g), n. [F. figue the fruit of the tree, Pr. figa, fr. L. ficus fig tree, fig. Cf. {Fico}.] 1. (Bot.) A small fruit tree ({Ficus Carica}) with large leaves, known from the remotest antiquity. It was probably native from Syria westward to the Canary Islands. [1913 Webster]

2. The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong shape, and of various colors. [1913 Webster]

Note: The fruit of a fig tree is really the hollow end of a stem, and bears numerous achenia inside the cavity. Many species have little, hard, inedible figs, and in only a few does the fruit become soft and pulpy. The fruit of the cultivated varieties is much prized in its fresh state, and also when dried or preserved. See {Caprification}. [1913 Webster]

3. A small piece of tobacco. [U.S.] [1913 Webster]

4. The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used in scorn or contempt. ``A fig for Peter.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{Cochineal fig}. See {Conchineal fig}.

{Fig dust}, a preparation of fine oatmeal for feeding caged birds.

{Fig faun}, one of a class of rural deities or monsters supposed to live on figs. ``Therefore shall dragons dwell there with the fig fauns.'' --Jer. i. 39. (Douay version).

{Fig gnat} (Zo["o]l.), a small fly said to be injurious to figs.

{Fig leaf}, the leaf tree; hence, in allusion to the first clothing of Adam and Eve (Genesis iii.7), a covering for a thing that ought to be concealed; esp., an inadequate covering; a symbol for affected modesty.

{Fig marigold} (Bot.), the name of several plants of the genus {Mesembryanthemum}, some of which are prized for the brilliancy and beauty of their flowers.

{Fig tree} (Bot.), any tree of the genus {Ficus}, but especially {F. Carica} which produces the fig of commerce. [1913 Webster]