n. Originally, a stripe in a material, or the band or border of a garment, whether woven in the stuff or applied.n. A strip of fine stuff, as silk, satin, or velvet, having two selvages.n. Specifically, the honorary distinction of an order of knighthood, usually in two forms: first, the broad ribbon, denoting the highest class of such an order (for which see cordon, 7); second, the small knot of ribbon worn in the buttonhole by members of an order when not wearing the cross or other badge.n. That which resembles a ribbon in shape; a long and narrow strip of anything.n. plural Reins for driving.n. A strip; a shred: as, the sails were torn to ribbons.n. In spinning, a continuous strand of cotton or other fiber in a loose, untwisted condition; a sliver.n. In metal-working, a long, thin strip of metal, such as a watch-springn. a thin steel band for a belt, or an endless sawn. a thin band of magnesium for burningn. a thin steel strip for measuring, resembling a tape-line.n. One of the stripes painted on arrow-shafts, generally around the shaftment. Also called clan-mark, owner-mark, game-tally, etc.n. A narrow web of silk for hand-stamps, saturated with free color, which is readily transferred by pressure to paper.n. In stained-glass work and the like, a strip or thin bar of lead grooved to hold the edges of the glass. See lead, 7.n. In heraldry, a bearing considered usually as one of the subordinaries. It is a diminutive of the bend, and one eighth of its width.n. In carpentry, a long thin strip of wood, or a series of such strips, uniting several parts. Compare rib-band.n. Nautical, a painted molding on the side of a ship.n. Figuratively, anything which marks the attainment of an object of ambition; also, the object itself.n. A member of the Order of the Garter.n. The badge of a society pledged to total abstinence from the use of intoxicating drinks: it consists of a bit of blue ribbon worn in a buttonhole.n. The ribbon of a knight of the Legion of Honor.Made of ribbon: as, a ribbon bow; ribbon trimming.In mineralogy, characterized by parallel bands of different colors: as, ribbon agate.[capitalized] Pertaining to the Ribbon Society or to Ribbonism: as, a Ribbon lodge.To border with stripes resembling ribbons; stripe; streak.To adorn with ribbons.To form into long narrow strips; cause to take the shape of ribbon.n. The banding in slates due to the preservation of the original bedding, which may be related to the cleavage at any angle.To stretch into long strips like ribbons: sometimes with out, as soap at one stage of its manufacture.
