Dictionary entry

Fray (4)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Fray, v. t. [OF. freier, fraier, froier, to rub. L. fricare; cf. friare to crumble, E. friable; perh. akin to Gr. χρίειν to anoint, χρι̑σμα an anointing, Skr. ghṛsh to rub, scratch. Cf. Friction.] To rub; to wear off, or wear into shreds, by rubbing; to fret, as cloth; as, a deer is said to fray her head.