Frame, n. 1. Anything composed of parts fitted and united together; a fabric; a structure; esp., the constructional system, whether of timber or metal, that gives to a building, vessel, etc., its model and strength; the skeleton of a structure.
These are thy glorious works, Parent of good,
Almighty! thine this universal frame. Milton.
2. The bodily structure; physical constitution; make or build of a person.
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. Shak.
No frames could be strong enough to endure it. Prescott.
3. A kind of open case or structure made for admitting, inclosing, or supporting things, as that which incloses or contains a window, door, picture, etc.; that on which anything is held or stretched; as: (a) The skeleton structure which supports the boiler and machinery of a locomotive upon its wheels. (b) (Founding) A molding box or flask, which being filled with sand serves as a mold for castings. (c) The ribs and stretchers of an umbrella or other structure with a fabric covering. (d) A structure of four bars, adjustable in size, on which cloth, etc., is stretched for quilting, embroidery, etc. (e) (Hort.) A glazed portable structure for protecting young plants from frost. (f) (Print.) A stand to support the type cases for use by the compositor.
4. (Mach.) A term applied, especially in England, to certain machines built upon or within framework; as, a stocking frame; lace frame; spinning frame, etc.
5. Form; shape; proportion; scheme; structure; constitution; system; as, a frameof government.
She that hath a heart of that fine frame
To pay this debt of love but to a brother. Shak.
Put your discourse into some frame. Shak.
6. Particular state or disposition, as of the mind; humor; temper; mood; as, to be always in a happy frame.
7. Contrivance; the act of devising or scheming.
John the bastard
Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies. Shak.
Balloon frame, Cant frames, etc. See under Balloon, Cant, etc. — Framebuilding or house, a building of which the form and support is made of framed timbers. — Frame level, a mason's level. — Frame saw, a thin saw stretched in a frame to give it rigidity.