"fret" Definition

Definitions for the word "fret" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
See 1st Frith.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To devour.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To rub; to wear away by friction; to chafe; to gall; hence, to eat away; to gnaw; as, to fret cloth; to fret a piece of gold or other metal; a worm frets the plants of a ship.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To impair; to wear away; to diminish.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To make rough, agitate, or disturb; to cause to ripple; as, to fret the surface of water.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To tease; to irritate; to vex.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
To be worn away; to chafe; to fray; as, a wristband frets on the edges.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To eat in; to make way by corrosion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To be agitated; to be in violent commotion; to rankle; as, rancor frets in the malignant breast.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. i.
To be vexed; to be chafed or irritated; to be angry; to utter peevish expressions.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
The agitation of the surface of a fluid by fermentation or other cause; a rippling on the surface of water.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
Agitation of mind marked by complaint and impatience; disturbance of temper; irritation; as, he keeps his mind in a continual fret.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
Herpes; tetter.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
The worn sides of river banks, where ores, or stones containing them, accumulate by being washed down from the hills, and thus indicate to the miners the locality of the veins.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. t.
To ornament with raised work; to variegate; to diversify.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
Ornamental work in relief, as carving or embossing. See Fretwork.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. n.
An ornament consisting of smmall fillets or slats intersecting each other or bent at right angles, as in classical designs, or at obilique angles, as often in Oriental art.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. n.
The reticulated headdress or net, made of gold or silver wire, in which ladies in the Middle Ages confined their hair.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. n.
A saltire interlaced with a mascle.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. n.
A short piece of wire, or other material fixed across the finger board of a guitar or a similar instrument, to indicate where the finger is to be placed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. v. t.
To furnish with frets, as an instrument of music.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. v.
(-tt-) 1 be worried or distressed. 2 worry, vex. 3 wear or consume by gnawing or rubbing. n. Worry, vexation. [old english: related to *for, *eat]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
23. n.
Ornamental pattern of straight lines joined usu. At right angles. v. (-tt-) embellish with a fret or with carved or embossed work. [french freter]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
24. n.
Each of a series of bars or ridges on the finger-board of a guitar etc. To guide fingering. [origin unknown]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "fret" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "fret" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "fret") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

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