'Fig leaf' definitions:

Definition of 'fig leaf'

From: WordNet
noun
A leaf from a fig tree
noun
A covering consisting of anything intended to conceal something regarded as shameful

Definition of 'Fig leaf'

From: GCIDE
  • 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 (Zool.), 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]

Definition of 'fig leaf'

From: GCIDE
  • fig leaf \fig leaf\
  • 1. The leaf from a fig tree. [PJC]
  • 2. An ornamental design shaped like the leaf of a fig tree, used in architecture; also, a design shaped like a fig leaf to cover genitalia in sculpture or paintings -- in reference to the biblical story in Genesis of Adam and Eve, who covered their privates with fig leaves. [PJC]
  • 3. Hence: [figurative] Anything used to conceal what is considered embarrassing or indecent. See sense 2. [PJC]

Words containing 'Fig leaf'