[fray] vt [ME fraien, short for affraien to affray] (14c) archaic: scare; also: to frighten away
[2]fray n (14c): a usu. disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute [3]fray vb [ME fraien, fr. MF froyer, frayer to rub, fr. L fricare--more at friction] vt (15c) 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 ~ed" ~ vi 1: to wear out or into shreds
2: to show signs of strain "~ing nerves" [4]fray n (1630): a raveled place or worn spot (as on fabric)