Fraying

fray ¹  (fr)

n.

1. A scuffle; a brawl. See Synonyms at brawl.

2. A heated dispute or contest.

tr.v. frayed, fray·ing, frays Archaic

1. To alarm; frighten.

2. To drive away.

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[Middle English frai, shortening of affrai; see affray.]

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fray ²  (fr)

v. frayed, fray·ing, frays

v.tr.

1. To strain; chafe: repeated noises that fray the nerves.

2. To wear away (the edges of fabric, for example) by rubbing.

v.intr.

To become worn away or tattered along the edges.

n.

A frayed or threadbare spot, as on fabric.

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[Middle English fraien, to wear, bruise, from Old French fraier, to rub, from Latin fricre.]