Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(fibers). The ornamental hem of the outer garment. Wearing enjoined (Num. 15:37-40; Deut. 22:12; Matt. 9:20; 14:36).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
from 1431 (in the sense of twisting); thread, i.e. a tassel or festoon
KJV Usage:
fringe, wreath
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Matthew 9:20. Came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.
See also Luke 8:44.
According to the Mosaic law every Jew was obliged to wear a fringe or tassel at each of the four corners of the outer garment, one thread of each tassel to be deep blue. These tassels were to be to them a perpetual reminder of the law of God, and of their duty to keep it. See Numbers 15:38-39; Deuteronomy 22:12. This was the “hem” which the poor woman touched, supposing there was some peculiar virtue in it. So the people of Gennesaret brought their sick to Christ for a similar purpose. See Mark 6: 56, where the same word in the original, κπισπεὀον is rendered “border.” The Pharisees prided themselves greatly on these tassels, considering them as marks of special sanctity in the wearers, and therefore sought to enlarge their size. See Matthew 23:5.