v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. wrinkle one's brows, esp. in displeasure or deep thought.
2 intr. (foll. by at, on, upon) express disapproval.
3 intr. (of a thing) present a gloomy aspect.
4 tr. compel with a frown (frowned them into silence).
5 tr. express (defiance etc.) with a frown.
--n.
1. an action of frowning; a vertically furrowed or wrinkled state of the brow.
2 a look expressing severity, disapproval, or deep thought.
Derivatives:
frowner n. frowningly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF frongnier, froignier f. froigne surly look f. Celt.