fraise

noun

ˈfrāz How to pronounce fraise (audio)
: an obstacle of pointed stakes driven into the ramparts of a fortification in a horizontal or inclined position

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, literally, "pleated collar, ruff," probably from fraise "mesentery of a calf" (compared in appearance), going back to Middle French, noun derivative of fraiser, fraser "to unwrap, shell (as a bean)," going back to Old French, going back to Vulgar Latin *frēsāre, derivative of Latin frēsa (in faba frēsa "ground bean"), feminine of frēsus, past participle of frendere "to gnash, crush, grind," going back to Indo-European *gwhrend(h)- "grind" — more at grind entry 1

Note: The French outcomes of Vulgar Latin close e in *frēsāre are irregular and appear to show crossing with another word or words.

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fraise was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near fraise

fraischeur

fraise

frake

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Fraise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraise. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

fraise

noun
ˈfrāz How to pronounce fraise (audio)
: a surgical burr shaped like a cone or hemisphere
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