I. ˈfrā transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English fraien, short for affraien to affray
Date: 14th century
archaic : scare ; also : to frighten away
II. noun
Date: 14th century
: a usually disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute
III. 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
IV. noun
Date: 1630
: a raveled place or worn spot (as on fabric)