I. ˈfrām verb
( framed ; fram·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, to benefit, construct, from Old English framian to benefit, make progress; akin to Old Norse fram forward, Old English fram from
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to construct by fitting and uniting the parts of the skeleton of (a structure)
2.
a. : plan , contrive
framed a new method of achieving their purpose
b. : shape , construct
c. : to give expression to : formulate
d. : to draw up (as a document)
3.
a. : to devise falsely (as a criminal charge)
b. : to contrive the evidence against (an innocent person) so that a verdict of guilty is assured
c. : fix 7b
4. : to fit or adjust especially to something or for an end : arrange
5. obsolete : produce
6. : to enclose in a frame ; also : to enclose as if in a frame
intransitive verb
1. archaic : proceed , go
2. obsolete : manage
• fram·able or frame·able ˈfrā-mə-bəl adjective
• fram·er noun
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : something composed of parts fitted together and united
b. : the physical makeup of an animal and especially a human body : physique , figure
2.
a. : the underlying constructional system or structure that gives shape or strength (as to a building)
b. : a frame dwelling
3. obsolete : the act or manner of framing
4.
a. : a machine built upon or within a framework
a spinning frame
b. : an open case or structure made for admitting, enclosing, or supporting something
a window frame
c.
(1) : a part of a pair of glasses that holds one of the lenses
(2) plural : that part of a pair of glasses other than the lenses
d. : a structural unit in an automobile chassis supported on the axles and supporting the rest of the chassis and the body
5.
a. : an enclosing border
b. : the matter or area enclosed in such a border: as
(1) : one of the squares in which scores for each round are recorded (as in bowling) ; also : a round in bowling
(2) : an individual drawing in a comic strip usually enclosed by a bordering line
(3) : one picture of the series on a length of film
(4) : a complete image for display (as on a television set)
c. : an inning in baseball
d.
(1) : framework 1a
(2) : context , frame of reference
e. : an event that forms the background for the action of a novel or play
6. : frame-up
[
frame 2a
]
III. adjective
Date: 1753
: having a wood frame
frame houses