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.
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   2. The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong
      shape, and of various colors.
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   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.
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   3. A small piece of tobacco. [U.S.]
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   4. The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used
      in scorn or contempt. "A fig for Peter." --Shak.
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   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.
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