Vignette, n.

(vin-yĕt’, or vĭn’yet), n. [Fr. vignette, from vigne, a vine, from Lat. vinea, id., from vineus, belonging to wine, from vinum, wine.]

1. (Arch.) A running ornament consisting of leaves and tendrils, used in Gothic architecture.
2. A capital letter in ancient manuscripts; — so called because frequently ornamented with flourishes in the manner of vine-branches or tendrils; hence, any large ornament at the top of a page.
3. (Print.) Formerly, any kind of printers’ ornaments, as heads, flowers, and tail-pieces; — more recently, any kind of wood-cut, engraving, &c., not inclosed within a definite border. Fairholt.