Fray

Pronunciation

• enPR: frā, IPA: /freɪ/
• Rhymes: -eɪ

From Middle English frai, aphetic variant of affray.

Full definition of fray

Noun

1. Affray; broil; contest; combat; brawl; melee.Though they did not know the reason for the dispute, they did not hesitate to leap into the fray.
• ShakespeareWho began this bloody fray?
• 2010, December 29, Mark Vesty, Wigan 2 - 2 Arsenal, Wigan, unbeaten in five games at the DW Stadium, looked well in control but the catalyst for Arsenal's improvement finally came when Diaby left the field with a calf injury and Jack Wilshere came into the fray, bringing some much needed determination and urgency to lacklustre Arsenal.
2. (archaic) fright

From Middle English fraien, from Old French frayer, from Latin fricāre, present active infinitive of fricō.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To unravel; used particularly for the edge of something made of cloth, or the end of a rope.The ribbon frayed at the cut end.
2. (intransitive, figuratively) To cause exhaustion, wear out (a person's mental strength).The stressful day ended in frayed nerves. (Metaphorical use; nerves are visualised as strings)
3. (transitive, archaic) frighten; alarm
• 1662, Henry More, , Book II, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 63:"Besides, all the wit and Philosophy in the world can never demonstrate, that the killing and slaughtering of a Beast is anymore then the striking of a Bush where a Bird's Nest is, where you fray away the Bird, and then seize upon the empty Nest."
• SpenserWhat frays ye, that were wont to comfort me affrayed?
4. (transitive) To bear the expense of; to defray.
• MassingerThe charge of my most curious and costly ingredients frayed, I shall acknowledge myself amply satisfied.
5. (intransitive) To rub.
• Sir Walter ScottWe can show the marks he made
  When 'gainst the oak his antlers frayed.