'fringe-like' originates from English, combining the noun 'fringe' (ultimately from Latin 'fimbria' meaning 'edge; border') with the suffix '-like' (from Old English '-līc' meaning 'having the form or qualities of').

'fimbria' became Old French 'fringe' (also 'frenge'), passed into Middle English 'fringe', and in Modern English combined with the suffix '-like' to form the compound 'fringe-like'.

Initially, it meant 'resembling a fringe or having fringed edges', and it later extended metaphorically to mean 'marginal or peripheral in position or character'.