frayn.1
/freɪ/, U.S. /freɪ/ 1. A feeling of fear; alarm, fright, terror. Also in phrase to take a or the fray. Cf. affray n. 1. Obsolete exc. Scottish.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > apprehension > [noun] > fright caused by alarm
frighta1325
affrayc1380
fray1398
gloppeninga1400
alarma1460
scare1548
affright1566
affrightment1593
aghastment1594
surprise1609
gastc1686
gliff1732
stew1806
stink1819
feeze1825
startlement1927
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum xvi. xxix. (Tollem. MS.) It [the stone Crisolitus]..helpeþ nyȝte frayes and dredes.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 4775 Whenne iacob was moost in fray God him coumfortide.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1865) I. 243 That theire hertes scholde not be in fray or feere to beholde bloode.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid xi. xii. 51 Al suddanly the Latynis tuke ane fray..and fled away.
1559–66 Hist. Estate Scot. in Wodr. Soc. Misc. (1844) 61 The Friers takeing the fray—begane to dispose the best of their goods.
a1649 W. Drummond Sonn. viii Nor shepherd hastes (when frays of wolves arise) So fast to fold.
1699 W. Dampier Voy. & Descr. i. vii. 148 Thus that fray was over, and we came ashore again: recovered of the fright we had been in.
1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 157 Whan the hail Hellespont reboundit And ky on Ida's taps confoundit Ran down the hills for fray.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > [noun]
assault1297
venuea1330
scoura1400
wassailc1400
frayc1430
brunta1450
sault1510
onseta1522
attemptate1524
onsetting1541
breach1578
dint1579
objectiona1586
invasion1591
extent1594
grassation1610
attack1655
run1751
wrack1863
mayhem1870
serve1967
c1430 Hymns Virg. 14 Thou woldist bleede for mannis nede, And suffre manye a feerdful fray.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1869) II. 95 Hamfare, þat is, a fray made in an howse.
c1575 in J. Raine Depositions Courts Durham (1845) 300 After that Crampton had maid a fraye of the said Martyn, one Robert Johnson cauld for the constable, to carry them to the stoks.
3. Proverb.a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1957) III. 184 The first blow makes the wrong, but the second makes the fray.1676 M. Hale Contempl. Moral & Divine i. 242 It is a true Proverb, It is the second blow makes the fray.† c. A din, noise, stir. Obsolete.
a. A disturbance, esp. one caused by fighting; a noisy quarrel, a brawl; a fight, skirmish, conflict.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > lack of peacefulness > [noun] > a disturbance caused by dissension
tirpeilc1330
to-doc1330
affraya1393
frayc1420
tuilyiea1500
fraction1502
broil1525
ruffle1534
hurly-burly1548
embroilment1609
roil1690
fracas1727
row1746
the devil among the tailors1756
noration1773
splorea1791
kick-upa1793
rumption1802
ruction1809
squall1813
tulyie-mulyie1827
shindy1829
shine1832
donnybrook1852
shiveau1862
roughhouse1882
ruckus1885
shemozzle1885
turn-up1891
rookus1892
funk1900
incident1913
potin1922
shivoo1924
furore1946
shindig1961
1382 in W. H. D. Longstaffe & J. Booth Halmota Prioratus Dunelmensis (1889) 171 De quodam fray in campo de Walleshond per homines de Tynnemouth ad effusionem sanguinis.]
c1420 Chron. Vilod. 105 And all þe ladyes..Of þis grete fraye þe wheche þye sie and herden, weren Sore agast.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xvi. 16 There began a great fraye bitwene some of the gromes and pages of the strangers, and of the archers of Inglande.
1609 S. Rowlands Knave of Clubbes 3 Fleete-street fraies, when Prentices With Clubs did knocke thee downe.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 46 The Vice-Admiral..left not off till Night parted the Fray.
1799 Ld. Nelson 12 Sept. in Dispatches & Lett. (1845) IV. 11 The Turks are returned to Constantinople having had a fray with the Sicilians.
1839 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VI. 157 He immediately charged into the thickest of the fray.
1878 P. Bayne Chief Actors Puritan Revol. iv. 126 They were always eager for the fray.
b. transferred (esp. ‘a war of words’).
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > quarrel or quarrelling > [noun] > a quarrel
controversy1448
tencion?1473
brulyie1531
pique1532
feudc1565
quarrel1566
jar1583
controverse1596
brack1600
outcast1620
rixation1623
controversarya1635
simultya1637
outfall1647
outfallingc1650
controversion1658
démêlé1661
embroilment1667
strut1677
risse1684
rubber1688
fray1702
brulyiement1718
fallout1725
tossa1732
embroil1742
ding-dong?1760
pilget1777
fratch1805
spar1836
splutter1838
bust-up1842
whid1847
chip1854
kass-kass1873
wap1887
run-in1894
go-round1898
blue1943
hassle1945
square-up?1949
ruck1958
1702 C. Mather Magnalia Christi iii. ii. i. 71/2 The Fray between that Bishop, and Laud the Bishop of London.
1851 Parl. Deb. 3rd Ser. 116 917 The noble Lord..commenced the fray by his celebrated letter.
1884 ‘Rita’ Vivienne ii. iv I'll wait and see you adorned for the fray.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > loudness > [noun] > loud sound or noise
chirma800
dina1000
utas1202
noise?c1225
nurthc1225
dinninga1400
glama1400
glavera1400
reer?a1400
reirdc1400
dunch1440
steveningc1440
rebound1457
bruit?1473
alarm1489
yell1509
gild?a1513
shout?a1513
reveriea1522
routa1522
thundering1560
rumouringc1563
dinrie?1566
rear1567
fray1568
thunder-crack1595
thunder1600
fanfarea1605
fragor1605
clamour1606
thunder-clap1610
obstrepency1623
tonitruation1658
randana1661
clarion1667
leden1674
bluster1724
salvoa1734
ding1750
row1753
tonance1778
dunder1780
chang1788
blare1807
flare1815
detonation1830
trump1848
trumpeting1850
foghorn1875
yammer1932
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [noun] > briskness or activeness > bustle or fuss
to-doc1330
adoc1380
great (also much) cry and little woolc1460
feery-fary1535
fray1568
stirc1595
do1598
coil1599
hurl1603
ruffle1609
clutterment1611
buzz1628
bustle1637
paddle1642
racket1644
clutter1652
tracas1656
tracasserie1656
circumference1667
flutter1667
hurly-burly1678
fuss1701
fissle1719
fraise1725
hurry-scurry1753
fix-fax1768
fal-lal1775
widdle1789
touse1792
fuffle1801
going-on1817
hurry and scurry1823
sputter1823
tew1825
Bob's-a-dying1829
fidge1832
tamasha1842
mulling1845
mussing1846
fettling1847
fooster1847
trade1854
scrimmage1855
carry-on1861
fuss-and-feathers1866
on-carry1870
make-a-do1880
miration1883
razzle-dazzle1885
song and dance1885
to get a rustle on1891
tea-party1903
stirabout1905
whoop-de-do1910
chichi1928
production1941
go-go1966
1568 (a1500) Freiris Berwik 197 in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1930) IV. 267 Ȝone is symone that makis all this fray.
1570 T. Tusser Hundreth Good Pointes Husbandry (new ed.) f. 30 Where windows stand open ye cattes make a fray.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. x. 468 The Toune was in Armes, the Bells ringing..people shouting, and Drummes beating..I asked him what the fray was?
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by habits or actions > habits and actions > [verb (intransitive)] > fight or be obstinate > show fight
to stand at fray1727
1727 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Oeconomique (Dublin ed.) at Badger-hunting If the Hounds..undertake the Chase before he Earths, he will then stand at fray, like a Bear, and make most incomparable Sport.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
fray-maker n.
ΚΠ
1532 Act 5 & 6 Edw. VI c. 4 §3 They may be known as Fray-makers and Fighters.
1643 W. Prynne Soveraigne Power Parl. iv. 28 Constables may by the Law..imprison peace~breakers, fray-makers, riotors, and others.
1884 A. Griffiths Chron. Newgate I. vi. 233 Any church brawler..might be branded with the letter F, as a fraymaker and fighter.
fray-making n.
ΚΠ
a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) i. i. sig. A.iij All the day long is he facing and craking Of his great actes in fighting and fraymaking.
C2. Special combinations. Also (perhaps f. the verb-stem).† fray-bell n. Obsolete an alarm-bell formerly sounded on the occasion of a tumult.† fray-boggard n. Obsolete a scarecrow.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > ringing of bells as signal > [noun] > as alarm signal > warning or alarm bell
larum bellc1453
warning bell1511
alarm bell1548
storm-bell1837
fray-bell1864
1864 J. Raine Priory of Hexham I. p. cxxiv The common-bell beginning to peal; and then the great fray~bell of the monastery boomed in answer.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > tools and implements > sowing and planting equipment > [noun] > bird-scarer
scarlec1440
scare1530
blencher1531
shail1531
fray-boggard1535
crow-keeper1562
malkinc1565
clacket1594
scarecrow1606
clap-mill1613
field keeper1620
shaw-fowl1621
bean-shatter1639
clapper1660
dudman1670
clack1678
hobidy-booby?1710
worricow1711
cherry-clapper1763
flay-crake1788
potato-bogle1815
cherry-clack1824
feather-piea1825
flay-crow1824
gally-baggar1825
gally-crow1825
bogle1830
tatie-bogle1838
shewel1888
scare-string1889
the mind > emotion > fear > quality of inspiring fear > causing physical symptoms > [noun] > scarecrow or device for scaring birds
buga1425
scarlec1440
scare1530
blencher1531
shail1531
fray-boggard1535
malkinc1565
clacket1594
bogle-bo1603
scarecrow1606
blinks1611
clap-mill1613
shaw-fowl1621
dudman1670
hobidy-booby?1710
cherry-clapper1763
flay-crake1788
potato-bogle1815
cherry-clack1824
feather-piea1825
flay-crow1824
gally-baggar1825
gally-crow1825
bogle1830
deadman1839
hodmandod1881
scarer1930
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Baruch vi. H Like as a frayboggarde in a garden off Cucumbers kepeth nothinge, euen so are their goddes of wod, of syluer & golde.
fray-bug n. an object of fear; a bogy, spectre.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > quality of inspiring fear > [noun] > one who or that which inspires fear
eyeeOE
awea1325
dreadc1400
hideousc1420
scare1530
fear1535
fray-buga1555
dismayer1591
frightment1607
frighter?1611
affrighter1612
frightful1727
scarer1741
scare-sinner1765
scare-christian1772
scare-beggar1806
redoubtable1808
scare sleep1817
frightener1841
scare-bear1843
scare-bullfinch1849
scare-goose1887
ogreism1902
a1555 L. Saunders Let. in J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (1563) 1043/2 Howe lothe is this loyteryng sluggard to passe foorth in Goddes pathe? It fantasyeth forsooth muche feare of fray bugges.
1593 P. Stubbes Motiue to Good Wks. 123 The broching of this fraibugge, or scar-crow Purgatorie?
1657 S. Clarke Mirrour for Saints & Sinners (ed. 3) ciii. 485 Event proveth that these are no vaine fray-bugs.
fray-bug v. transitive, to scare as with a fray-bug; to terrify.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > quality of inspiring fear > quality of terribleness > terrify [verb (transitive)]
afearOE
affrightOE
breec1000
offrightlOE
agastc1225
offearc1225
dreadc1250
agrisec1275
begallowc1320
ashunchc1325
adreadc1330
affrayc1330
fleya1400
grise1513
terrify1536
fray-bug1551
thunderbolta1586
fear-blast1593
gaster1593
hazen1593
terrorc1595
affrighten1615
ter-terrifya1618
flaite1642
pavefy1656
repall1687
hobgoblin1707
scarify1794
to scare the daylights out of1951
1551 J. Bale Actes Eng. Votaryes: 2nd Pt. f. cxviij They fraybugged them with the thundreboltes of theyr excommunycacyons.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
frayn.2
/freɪ/, U.S. /freɪ/ The result of fraying; a frayed place.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > condition of matter > bad condition of matter > [noun] > loss of material > wearing away > wearing by friction > frayed condition
fraya1627
frayedness1893
a1627 T. Middleton Chast Mayd in Cheape-side (1630) i. 2 Your purest Lawnes haue Frayes, and Cambrickes Brackes.
1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. G6 'Tis like a Lawnie-Firmament as yet Quite dispossest of either fray, or fret.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
frayv.1
/freɪ/, U.S. /freɪ/ 1. transitive. To affect with fear, make afraid, frighten. Cf. affray v. 1a. Obsolete exc. poetic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > quality of inspiring fear > frighten [verb (transitive)]
gastOE
eisieOE
fearc1000
scarec1175
fray14..
doubtc1315
fright1423
flightc1571
to curdle the blood1579
effray1588
hare1656
pavefy1656
frighten1666
sob1671
haze1677
funk1789
gliff1823
frecken1847
to scare a person silly1942
14.. Sir Beues 2396 (MS. M.) The dragon kest vp a yelle, That it wolde haue frayed the deuyl of hel.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5814 A neddir it was, and he was fraid.
?a1400 R. Mannyng Chron. 16 Þe Kyng was alle affraied.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 1553 For al hit frayes my flesche þe fyngres so grymme.
1531 W. Tyndale Expos. 1 John (1537) 14 That..we shulde exalte our selues ouer you..frayenge you with the bugge of excommunicacyon.
1604 Bp. W. Barlow Summe Conf. at Hampton Court in Phenix (1721) I. 154 A Puritan is a Protestant fray'd out of his Wits.
1766 W. Shenstone School-mistress xvii, in Coll. Poems by Several Hands (new ed.) I. 248 And other some with baleful sprig she 'frays.
1832 J. Bree St. Herbert's Isle 98 He frayed the monsters with his bugle's sound.
1850 R. Browning Christmas-eve xiii. 102 My warnings fray No one, and no one they convert.
2. absolute.1542 T. Becon David's Harpe in Wks. (1564) I. 147 Exhort unto virtue. Fray away from vice.
a. To frighten or scare away. Also to fray away, to fray off, or to fray out. Cf. affray v. 4. Obsolete exc. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > quality of inspiring fear > causing physical symptoms > cause physical symptoms [verb (transitive)] > frighten away
feezec890
shuncha1225
aschewelea1250
fearc1420
scarec1450
affray1487
fray1526
fright1599
lowbell1642
shy1845
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > drive away > attack and drive away
to fray off1526
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Oviii God hath ordeyned a..speciall remedy, wherwith we may fray them away.
1533 W. Tyndale Souper of Lorde cv b Why fraye ye the commen people from the lytteral sense with thys bugge?
1590 C. Marlowe Tamburlaine: 1st Pt. sig. E2v Are the Turtles fraide out of their neastes.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vi. i. 560 It [the Basilisk]..frayeth away other serpents with the hissing.
a1716 R. South Serm. Several Occasions (1744) X. 232 Can he fray off the vultur from his breast?
1825 W. Scott Betrothed vii, in Tales Crusaders II. 137 It is enough to fray every hawk from the perch.
1867 H. E. Manning Eng. & Christendom 154 We should have to answer to the Good Shepherd, if so much as one of His sheep were frayed away from the fold by harsh voices.
b. simply. To drive away, disperse.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > drive away > dispel (cloud, gloom, or immaterial things)
overdriveOE
discuss?c1400
digesta1513
profligate1542
depel?1548
foil1548
sperse1580
disparkle1601
redisperse1621
dispela1631
fray1635
dissipate1691
1635 F. Quarles Emblemes i. xiv. 57 Thy light will fray These horrid Mists.
1655 H. Vaughan Silex Scintillans (ed. 2) ii. 71 Thy shades..Which his first looks will quickly fray.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > be afraid or fear [verb (intransitive)]
adreadeOE
affrightOE
frightc1000
agastc1300
offrightc1300
scarec1400
resoignc1500
fray1535
feara1593
fley1768
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) I. 606 Thai had no caus to dreid Nor ȝit to fray.
c1540 Image Ipocrysy i, in J. Skelton Poet. Wks. (1843) II. 420 Youe fray not of his rod.
1638 R. Baillie Lett. & Jrnls. I. 104 This, and the convoy of it, makes us tremble for fear of division..Thir things maks us fray.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)]
greetc893
overfallOE
riseOE
assail?c1225
to lay on or upon?c1225
onseekc1275
to set on ——c1290
infighta1300
saila1300
to go upon ——c1300
to turn one's handc1325
lashc1330
annoyc1380
impugnc1384
offendc1385
to fall on ——a1387
sault1387
affrayc1390
to set upon ——1390
to fall upon ——a1398
to lay at?a1400
semblea1400
assayc1400
havec1400
aset1413
oppressa1425
attachc1425
to set at ——c1430
fraya1440
fray1465
oppugn?a1475
sayc1475
envaye1477
pursue1488
envahisshe1489
assaulta1500
to lay to, untoa1500
requirea1500
enterprise?1510
invade1513
assemblec1515
expugn1530
to fare on1535
to fall into ——1550
mount1568
attack?1576
affront1579
invest1598
canvass1599
to take arms1604
attempt1605
to make force at, to, upon1607
salute1609
offence1614
strikea1616
to give a lift at1622
to get at ——1650
insult1697
to walk into ——1794
to go in at1812
to go for ——1838
to light on ——1842
strafe1915
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)]
assail?c1225
to set on ——c1290
saila1300
to turn one's handc1325
lashc1330
to set against ——c1330
impugnc1384
offendc1385
weighc1386
checka1400
to lay at?a1400
havec1400
to set at ——c1430
fraya1440
rehetea1450
besail1460
fray1465
tuilyie1487
assaulta1500
enterprise?1510
invade1513
sturt1513
attempt1546
lay1580
tilt1589
to fall aboard——1593
yoke1596
to let into1598
to fall foul1602
attack1655
do1780
to go in at1812
to pitch into ——1823
tackle1828
vampire1832
bushwhack1837
to go for ——1838
take1864
pile1867
volcano1867
to set about ——1879
vampirize1888
to get stuck into1910
to take to ——1911
weigh1941
rugby-tackle1967
rugger-tackle1967
society > armed hostility > attack > raid > [verb (transitive)]
through-ridec1300
skicka1400
fraya1440
a1440 Sir Degrev. 237 Thus the forest they fray, Hertus bade at abey.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 5237 The grekys..segh the kyng..With fele folke vppon fote þat hom fray wold.
c1575 in J. Raine Depositions Courts Durham (1845) 286 Neither this examinate nor his brother..ever did lay in wayt nor frayd off the said Sir Richard Mylner.
5. intransitive. To make a disturbance; to quarrel or fight. Also, to make an attack upon. to fray it out: to settle by fighting. Obsolete exc. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)]
greetc893
overfallOE
riseOE
assail?c1225
to lay on or upon?c1225
onseekc1275
to set on ——c1290
infighta1300
saila1300
to go upon ——c1300
to turn one's handc1325
lashc1330
annoyc1380
impugnc1384
offendc1385
to fall on ——a1387
sault1387
affrayc1390
to set upon ——1390
to fall upon ——a1398
to lay at?a1400
semblea1400
assayc1400
havec1400
aset1413
oppressa1425
attachc1425
to set at ——c1430
fraya1440
fray1465
oppugn?a1475
sayc1475
envaye1477
pursue1488
envahisshe1489
assaulta1500
to lay to, untoa1500
requirea1500
enterprise?1510
invade1513
assemblec1515
expugn1530
to fare on1535
to fall into ——1550
mount1568
attack?1576
affront1579
invest1598
canvass1599
to take arms1604
attempt1605
to make force at, to, upon1607
salute1609
offence1614
strikea1616
to give a lift at1622
to get at ——1650
insult1697
to walk into ——1794
to go in at1812
to go for ——1838
to light on ——1842
strafe1915
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)]
assail?c1225
to set on ——c1290
saila1300
to turn one's handc1325
lashc1330
to set against ——c1330
impugnc1384
offendc1385
weighc1386
checka1400
to lay at?a1400
havec1400
to set at ——c1430
fraya1440
rehetea1450
besail1460
fray1465
tuilyie1487
assaulta1500
enterprise?1510
invade1513
sturt1513
attempt1546
lay1580
tilt1589
to fall aboard——1593
yoke1596
to let into1598
to fall foul1602
attack1655
do1780
to go in at1812
to pitch into ——1823
tackle1828
vampire1832
bushwhack1837
to go for ——1838
take1864
pile1867
volcano1867
to set about ——1879
vampirize1888
to get stuck into1910
to take to ——1911
weigh1941
rugby-tackle1967
rugger-tackle1967
society > society and the community > dissent > quarrel or quarrelling > quarrel [verb (intransitive)]
threapc1175
disputea1225
thretec1400
varyc1450
fray1465
to fall out1470
to set (or fall) at variancec1522
quarrel1530
square1530
to break a straw1542
to be or to fall at (a) square1545
to fall at jar1552
cowl1556
tuilyie1565
jarl1580
snarl1597
to fall foul1600
to cast out1730
fisticuff1833
spat1848
cagmag1882
rag1889
to part brass-rags1898
hassle1949
blue1955
society > society and the community > dissent > fighting > fight [verb (intransitive)] > settle a matter by fighting
to fight out1548
to fray it out1889
to slug it out1943
1465 R. Calle in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 311 My lordes of Suffolk men..fray vppon vs dayly.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xvi. 194 Why shuld we fray?
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lxxi. f. xxvi Conan Meridok with a certayne of knyghtes of his affynyte was purposed to haue frayed with the sayd Maximus and to haue distressed hym.
1566 T. Drant tr. Horace Medicinable Morall sig. Bvv For foode, and harboure gan they fray..with clubbes.
1570 Song in Wit & Sci. etc. (Shaks. Soc.) 90 The sonne is up with hys bryght beames, As thoughe he woolde with the now fraye, And bete the up out of thy dreames.
1657 J. Howell Londinopolis 337 A gaol..for such as should brabble, fray, or break the peace.
1889 Universal Rev. Sept. 38 Sooner than fray it out thou wouldst retire.
Derivatives
ˈfraying n. and adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > quarrel or quarrelling > [noun]
sakea1000
chestc1000
pleac1275
threapa1300
noisec1300
checkc1330
debate1340
chopping1377
controversyc1384
briguea1398
tuilyieing1444
quarrellingc1460
lite1493
frayinga1500
falling out1539
square1545
overthwarting1552
mutiny1567
squaring1579
debatement1590
swaggeringa1596
quarrel1605
simultation1605
warbling1632
barrating1635
throwing1897
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xx. 339 Arthur was also fallen to grounde with the frayinge that thei hurteled to-geder.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John x. f. 1 They doe their endeuour to maynteyn their tyrannie with disceytes, frayinges, wiles [etc.].
1560 J. Heywood Fourth Hundred Epygrams xciv. sig. Bviiiv Of fraying of babes.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Socrates Scholasticus vii. xxxii, in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 395 But onely auoideth this clause..as a fraying ghost.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
frayv.2
/freɪ/, U.S. /freɪ/ I. To rub; to come into collision.† 3. transitive. To bruise. Also, to deflower. Obsolete.† 4. intransitive. To clash, come into collision. Obsolete.
1. intransitive. Of deer: (see quot. 1756). Also transitive in to fray their heads.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > family Cervidae (deer) > [verb (intransitive)] > actions of deer
fray1575
strain1575
yard1848
misprint1904
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > male > [verb (transitive)] > rub skin off horns
fray1575
burnish1616
1575 G. Gascoigne Noble Arte Venerie xxvii. 69 The old Harts do fray their heads vpon the yong trees.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis i. 6 Chiefe stags vpbearing croches high from the antlier hauted On trees stronglye fraying.
1756 Whalley Notes on B. Jonson's Wks. V. 103 A deer is said to fray her head when she rubs it against a tree to renew it.
1884 R. Jefferies Red Deer vii. 112 Towards the end of July—they are then fraying, rubbing the velvet off their new horns against the trees.
2. figurative.1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations II. i. 1 The stage-coach..got into the ravel of traffic frayed out about the Cross-Keys.
a. transitive. To rub away, wear through by rubbing; to ravel out the edge or end of (something woven or twisted); occasionally, to chafe or irritate by friction.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > condition of matter > bad condition of matter > cause bad condition in [verb (transitive)] > cause to waste away > wear away or down > (as) by rubbing
grate1555
fray1710
fridge1761
rub1791
file1837
scuff1909
the world > matter > condition of matter > bad condition of matter > cause bad condition in [verb (transitive)] > cause to waste away > wear away or down > (as) by rubbing > fray
fray1710
1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 245. ⁋2 Four striped Muslin Night-Rails very little frayed.
1727 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Oeconomique (Dublin ed.) at Clear Starching Pull out your pinner, holding it by the Edging, with dry and clean hands lest you fray it.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. xvii. 182 The very bell-rope in the porch was frayed into a fringe.
1873 A. Dobson Sundial in Vignettes in Rhyme xii The frequent sword-hilt had so frayed his glove.
1884 J. F. Goodhart Dis. Children (1891) iv. 77 The polypus [should be] hooked down, and its pedicle frayed through the nail [of the finger].
b. intransitive. Of material: To become frayed, to ravel out. Also with out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > [verb (intransitive)] > ravel out
rivel1530
ravel1603
fuzz1702
fray1721
sleaze1777
the world > matter > condition of matter > bad condition of matter > deteriorate in condition [verb (intransitive)] > waste away > wear > by rubbing > fray
faselc1440
fret1654
fray1721
1721 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. (at cited word) To fray, to fret as Cloth does by Rubbing.
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) I. iii. 39 I do not think it will wash well; I am afraid it will fray . View more context for this quotation
c. To rub against.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > rubbing or friction > rub [verb (transitive)] > rub against or grind
rub1566
fridge1607
grind1644
fray1884
harsh1889
1884 R. Jefferies Red Deer ii. 29 Dry dark heather continually fraying against my knees.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > pressing, pressure, or squeezing > press or squeeze [verb (transitive)] > crush
breakc900
to-bruisec1000
swatchea1300
to-gnidea1300
defoulc1300
to-crushc1300
thring13..
squatcha1325
to-squatc1325
oppressa1382
crush?a1400
thronga1400
dequassc1400
birzec1425
crazec1430
frayc1460
defroysse1480
to-quashc1480
croose1567
pletter1598
becrush1609
mortify1609
winder1610
crackle1611
quest1647
scrouge1755
grush1827
jam1832
roll1886
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > loss of chastity > deprive of chastity [verb (transitive)] > a woman
forliec1275
defoulc1290
dishonour1393
defilea1400
file?a1400
spilla1400
foilc1440
diviciatec1470
foul?1473
fulyie1505
vitiate1547
dishonest1565
fray1567
out1922
c1460 Play Sacram. 455 And wt owr strokys we shalle fray hym as he was on ye rode.
1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid Metamorphosis (new ed.) ix. f. 115v Whom beeing then no mayd (For why the God of Delos and of Delphos had her frayd).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > impinge [verb (intransitive)] > collide
hurtle1340
to strike together1340
thrusta1400
fray1483
concura1522
shock1575
to knock together1641
intershock1650
bulgea1676
collide1700
rencounter1712
clash1715
ding1874
bonk1947
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 424/2 Whan he sawe..how therthe onelye by frayeng of his staffe was dyched aboute.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxix. 594 Ther myght a man haue sein..many a shafte and shelde frayen to-geder.
II. To clear or cut through.
5. [A recent adoption < French.] transitive. To clear, cut through, force (a path, way).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > through or over obstacles > by cutting
carve1490
to carve outa1616
hack1781
fray1849
1849 E. E. Napier Excursions Southern Afr. II. 81 The narrow thorny paths, frayed by the elephant and the rhinoceros.
1869 S. Baring-Gould Origin Relig. Belief I. vii. 135 Man had to fray his road through a wilderness of fable before he could reach the truth.
Derivatives
ˈfraying n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > [noun] > forcible, heavy, or violent > collision
hurtlinga1250
rackc1300
rasha1450
collision?a1475
fraying1489
running1538
conflict1555
jostling1580
intershock1611
jostle1611
allision1615
complosion1644
intershocking1652
rencounter1662
interfering1677
shocking1702
bump1843
cannoning1864
confliction1868
boink1963
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > sudden or violent sound > [noun] > of impact or concussion > crash, clash, or smash > clash of weapons
fraying1489
clish-clash1597
clasha1626
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) x. 653 Yai..Hard bath steryng and preue speking And alsua fraying of armyng.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† frayv.3
Obsolete. rare.
transitive. To defray; also absol.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > payment > pay money or things [verb (transitive)] > bear or defray the cost of
quitc1275
maintaina1425
pay1446
fray1450
abye1503
price?a1513
be1520
to stand to ——1540
disburse1548
defray1581
discharge1587
reimburse1591
discount1647
to be at the charge(s of1655
to pay off1711
stand1808
pop1947
1450 in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 39 Nothing will they pay, without your said tenants will fray with them.
1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East iv. iii. sig. Iv The charge of my most curious, and costly ingredients fraide,..I shall acknowledge my selfe amply satisfi'd.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
† frayv.4
Obsolete.
transitive ? To fry. Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > cooking > cook [verb (transitive)] > fry
fryc1290
frayc1450
frizzle1858
c1450 Two Cookery-bks. ii. 89 Caste hem and the oynons into þat potte with the drawen pesen, and late hem boile togidre..And then take faire oile and fray.
1558 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli Secretes Alexis of Piemount i. f. 29 Hauyng frayed and consumed it, in hote water, giue it to the woman to drinke.
Derivatives
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > cooking > [adjective] > frying or fried
friedc1390
frayedc1450
frizzling1852
frizzled1891
c1450 Two Cookery-bks. ii. 93 Take figges..and cast a litull fraied oyle there-to.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
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n.11398
n.2a1627
v.114..v.2c1460v.31450v.4c1450