Vi*gnette" (?; 277), n. [F. vignette, fr. vigne a vine. See Vine, and cf. Vinette.]
1. (Arch.)
A running ornament consisting of leaves and tendrils, used in Gothic architecture.
2.
A decorative design, originally representing vine branches or tendrils, at the head of a chapter, of a manuscript or printed book, or in a similar position; hence, by extension, any small picture in a book; hence, also, as such pictures are often without a definite bounding line, any picture, as an engraving, a photograph, or the like, which vanishes gradually at the edge.
© Webster 1913
Vi*gnette", v. t.
To make, as an engraving or a photograph, with a border or edge insensibly fading away.
© Webster 1913
Vi*gnette" (?), n.
A picture, illustration, or depiction in words, esp. one of a small or dainty kind.
© Webster 1913