- edge (n.)
- O.E. ecg "corner, edge," also "sword," from P.Gmc. *agjo (cf. O.N. egg, see egg (v.); Ger. Eck "corner"), from PIE base *ak- "sharp, pointed" (cf. L. acies, Gk. akis "point;" see acrid). Spelling development of O.E. -cg to M.E. -gg to Mod.E. -dge represents a widespread shift in pronunciation. To get the edge on (someone) is U.S. colloquial, first recorded 1911. Edge city is from Joel Garreau's 1992 book of that name. Razor's edge as a perilous narrow path translates Gk. epi xyrou akmes.
- edge (v.)
- "to move edgeways (with the edge toward the spectator), advance slowly," 1620s, originally nautical, from edge (n.). The verb meaning "urge on, incite" (16c.) usually is a mistake for egg (v.).