FRAY


Meaning of FRAY in English

n.

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English fraien, from Anglo-French freier, froier to rub, from Latin fricare ― more at FRICTION

Date: 15th century

transitive verb

1 a : to wear (as an edge of cloth) by or as if by rubbing : FRET b : to separate the threads at the edge of

2 : STRAIN , IRRITATE <tempers became a bit fray ed >

intransitive verb

1 : to wear out or into shreds

2 : to show signs of strain < fray ing nerves>

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.