/chayf/ , v. , chafed, chafing , n.
v.t.
1. to wear or abrade by rubbing: He chafed his shoes on the rocks.
2. to make sore by rubbing: Her collar chafed her neck.
3. to irritate; annoy: The dripping of the faucet chafed her nerves.
4. to warm by rubbing: to chafe cold hands.
5. Obs. to heat; make warm.
v.i.
6. to become worn or sore from rubbing: His neck began to chafe from the starched collar.
7. to rub; press with friction: The horse chafed against his stall.
8. to be irritated or annoyed: He chafed at their constant interruptions.
9. chafe at the bit , to become impatient at delay: The work was going very slowly, and he began to chafe at the bit.
n.
10. irritation; annoyance.
11. heat, wear, or soreness caused by rubbing.
[ 1275-1325; ME chaufen to heat, rub, chafe chaufer calfare, var. of L cal ( e ) facere, equiv. to cale- (s. of calere to be hot) + facere to make ]
Syn. 3. exasperate, vex, trouble, provoke.