Fringe. An ornamental bordering formed of short lengths of thread, whether loose or twisted, variously arranged and combined, projecting from the edge of the material ornamented. Fringe may consist of the frayed or raveled edge of the fabric ornamented, but is generally of other material, attached by stitching. Gold and silver fringe, such as now used for epaulettes, has been worn by ecclesiastics as far back as history has traced the dress of people, but was not adopted in civil costume until the 15th century. The styles of trimming-fringes for centuries have come and gone at Fashion's dictate. Sometimes in the form of knotted and twisted silk, and again as the curly chenille. Fringe is essentially a creature of Fashion, depending upon her smile for its ephemeral existence; while her frown is a token for its speedy departure.