frieze

¹ American  

[freez] / friz /

noun

1. Architecture.

   1. the part of a classical entablature between the architrave and the cornice, usually decorated with sculpture in low relief.

   2. any decorative band on an outside wall, broader than a stringcourse and bearing lettering, sculpture, etc.

2. any decorative band at the top or beneath the cornice of an interior wall, a piece of furniture, etc.

3. Furniture. skirt.

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frieze ² American  

[freez] / friz /

noun

1. a heavy, napped woolen cloth for coats.

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frieze ¹ British  

/ friːz /

noun

1. architect

   1. the horizontal band between the architrave and cornice of a classical entablature, esp one that is decorated with sculpture

   2. the upper part of the wall of a room, below the cornice, esp one that is decorated

2. any ornamental band or strip on a wall

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frieze ² British  

/ friːz /

noun

1. a heavy woollen fabric with a long nap, used for coats, etc

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frieze Cultural  

1. An ornamental band that runs around a building. Friezes are usually on the exterior of a building and are often sculpted in bas-relief.

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Etymology

Origin of frieze¹

1555–65; < Middle French frise, perhaps < Medieval Latin phrygium, frigium, frisium embroidered cloth, embroidery, Latin Phrygium, neuter of Phrygius Phrygian

Origin of frieze¹

1350–1400; Middle English frise < Old French; frieze ¹

Example Sentences

They walked along the granite embankments of the Neva, past the magnificent Admiralty building and its proud white columns, its countless statues and friezes depicting figures from myths and ancient times.

From Literature

They’re lined up like figures on the carved frieze of a Roman sarcophagus, except the slight tilt of the camera has them poised to slide out of the frame.

From Los Angeles Times

We talked about the building, and I lamented that the plaster friezes weren’t lighted.

From Los Angeles Times

They kept the field dimensions, re-created the limestone and granite façade, preserved views up to the elevated rail tracks and approximated the original frieze above the upper deck.

From Los Angeles Times

He stayed in a large bedroom on the first floor’s west wing, which features a delicate plaster frieze of mermaids and multiple layers of ancient wooden panelling.

From BBC

Related Words

• decoration
• embellishment