fret saw

American  

noun

1. a long, narrow-bladed saw used to cut ornamental work from thin wood.

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fret saw British  

noun

1. a fine-toothed saw with a long thin narrow blade, used for cutting designs in thin wood or metal

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Etymology

Origin of fret saw

First recorded in 1860–65

Compare meaning

How does fret-saw compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fret saw vs. coping saw

Example Sentences

He only said, "You shall see," and again fumbling in his bag took out a tiny fret saw.

From Dracula by Stoker, Bram

A sharp fret saw will remove the inside rectangle.

From Things To Make by Williams, Archibald

When the wood is dry, cut out with a fret saw two pieces shaped like Fig.

From Things To Make by Williams, Archibald

If you have a fret saw, and can use it cleverly, you can make at home as good a puzzle as any that can be bought.

From What Shall We Do Now?: Five Hundred Games and Pastimes by Fisher, Dorothy Canfield

The slot down the centre is best made with a fret saw, and should be smoothed internally by drawing a strip of fine glass paper to and fro through it.

From Things To Make by Williams, Archibald