~ 1
■ verb
1》 (of a fabric, rope, or cord) unravel or become worn at the edge.
2》 (of a person's nerves or temper) show the effects of strain.
Origin
ME: from OFr. freiier , from L. fricare 'to rub'.
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~ 2
■ noun ( the ~ ) a situation of intense competitive activity.
↘a battle or fight.
Origin
ME: from archaic ~ 'to quarrel', from af~ 'startle', from Anglo-Norman Fr. a~er (see af~ ).