I. ˈfrēz, frēˈzā, frə̇ˈzā noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English frise, from Middle French frise, from Middle Dutch friese, vriese — more at frizzle
1.
a. : a heavy durable fabric with a rough surface that is woven of coarse wool and shoddy in gray or mixed colors and is made especially in Ireland for overcoats
b. : a wiry upholstery fabric with patterns in cut and uncut loops that is made with a cotton backing and a wool, mohair, or rayon pile
2.
a. : a pile surface of uncut loops or of patterned cut and uncut loops ; also : the yarn used for such a surface
b. : a carpet having a pile of tightly twisted yarn
II. ˈfrēz transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English frisen, from frise, n.
: to make a nap on (cloth)
III. ˈfrēz noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French frise, perhaps from Medieval Latin phrygium, frigium, frisium embroidery, embroidered cloth, from Latin Phrygium, neuter of Phrygius Phrygian, from Phrygia, noted for its fine embroidery; from the fancy decorations reminiscent of embroidery on some friezes
1.
a. : the part of an entablature that is between the architrave and the cornice
b. : a sculptured or richly ornamented band (as on a building or a piece of furniture) — see entablature illustration
2. : a band, line, or series suggesting a frieze
a frieze of willows — C.B.Firestone
a constant frieze of visitors wound its way around the … ruins — Mollie Panter-Downes
an interminable frieze of sobbing boys, dying dogs and disabled children — Time
IV. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to adorn with a frieze