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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A picture, illustration, or depiction in words, esp. one of a small or dainty kind. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

v. t. To make, as an engraving or a photograph, with a border or edge insensibly fading away. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A device used by photographers in printing vignettes, consisting of a screen of paper or glass with a central aperture the edges of which become opaque by insensible gradations. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. A maker of vignettes. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]