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fratch

[ frach ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to disagree; quarrel.


noun

  1. a quarrel; argument; dispute.

fratch

/ frætʃ /

noun

  1. dialect.
    a quarrel
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈfratchy, adjective
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Other Words From

  • fratcher noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of fratch1

1400–50; late Middle English fracchen to creak, of uncertain origin
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Word History and Origins

Origin of fratch1

C19: from obsolete fratch to make a harsh noise; perhaps of imitative origin
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Example Sentences

You may be interested in still another inelegant variation which I ran across in Webster's; namely, the word "fratch."

Fratch, which is defined as "dispute; quarrel," and which is dialectal English in origin ... is used both as intransitive verb and noun.

"Oh, aye, to be sure, an' they like to see 'im light his pipe an' then fratch wi' 'im for fillin' t' 'ouse wi' smoke; an' even if he knocks ye about a bit now an' then, he sidles up to ye at after, an' 'appen puts 'is arms round ye, an'—an' makes a fool of hissen; but ye feel t' want on it when ye've been used to 't."

Then a trouble and a “fratch” ensued, and Ursley threatened Grace with lameness, whereat Grace answered, “Take heed, Ursley, thou hast a naughtie name;” but in spite of her warning the old witch did her work, so that Grace was taken with such lameness that she had to go upon her hands and knees.

Some of you worry in respect of your position in life as compared with other people's; but are you sure that some of this fratch and distress does not arise from feelings of envy, or jealousy, or discontent?

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