fig leaf

fig leaf
    n 1: a leaf from a fig tree
    2: a covering consisting of anything intended to conceal
       something regarded as shameful
    

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.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong
      shape, and of various colors.
      [1913 Webster]

   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}.
         [1913 Webster]

   3. A small piece of tobacco. [U.S.]
      [1913 Webster]

   4. The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used
      in scorn or contempt. "A fig for Peter." --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   {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.
      [1913 Webster]
    

fig leaf \fig leaf\
   1. The leaf from a fig tree.
      [PJC]

   2. An ornamental design shaped like the leaf of a fig tree,
      used in architecture; also, a design shaped like a fig
      leaf to cover genitalia in sculpture or paintings -- in
      reference to the biblical story in Genesis of Adam and
      Eve, who covered their privates with fig leaves.
      [PJC]

   3. Hence: [figurative] Anything used to conceal what is
      considered embarrassing or indecent. See sense 2.
      [PJC]