Dictionary entry

Frail (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Frail, a. [Compar.Frailer (–ẽr); superl.Frailest.] [OE. frele, freile, OF. fraile, frele, F. frêle, fr. L. fragilis. See Fragile.] 1. Easily broken; fragile; not firm or durable; liable to fail and perish; easily destroyed; not tenacious of life; weak; infirm.

That I may know how frail I am. Ps. xxxix. 4.

An old bent man, worn and frail. Lowell.

2. Tender.

Deep indignation and compassion frail. Spenser.

3. Liable to fall from virtue or be led into sin; not strong against temptation; weak in resolution; also, unchaste; — often applied to fallen women.

Man is frail, and prone to evil. Jer. Taylor.