n. & v.
n. 1 a (also white frost) a white frozen dew coating esp. the ground at night (windows covered with frost). b a consistent temperature below freezing-point causing frost to form. 2 a chilling dispiriting atmosphere. 3 sl. a failure.
v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by over, up) become covered with frost. 2 tr. a cover with or as if with frost, powder, etc. b injure (a plant etc.) with frost. 3 tr. give a roughened or finely granulated surface to (glass, metal) (frosted glass). 4 tr. US cover or decorate (a cake etc.) with icing. black frost a frost without white dew. degrees of frost Brit. degrees below freezing-point (ten degrees of frost tonight). frost-work tracery made by frost on glass etc. frostless adj.
[ OE f. Gmc ]