I. ˈchāf verb
( chafed ; chaf·ing )
Etymology: Middle English chaufen to warm, from Anglo-French chaufer, from Vulgar Latin * calfare, alteration of Latin calefacere, from calēre to be warm + facere to make — more at lee , do
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : irritate , vex
2. : to warm by rubbing especially with the hands
3.
a. : to rub so as to wear away : abrade
the boat chafed its sides against the dock
b. : to make sore by or as if by rubbing
intransitive verb
1. : to feel irritation, discontent, or impatience : fret
chafe s at his restrictive desk job
2. : to rub and thereby cause wear or irritation
II. noun
Date: 1551
1. : a state of vexation : rage
2. : injury or wear caused by friction ; also : friction , rubbing