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>