frieze
1[ freez ]
/ friz /
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noun
Architecture.
- the part of a classical entablature between the architrave and the cornice, usually decorated with sculpture in low relief.
- any decorative band on an outside wall, broader than a stringcourse and bearing lettering, sculpture, etc.
any decorative band at the top or beneath the cornice of an interior wall, a piece of furniture, etc.
Furniture. skirt (def. 6b).
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Origin of frieze
11555–65; <Middle French frise, perhaps <Medieval Latin phrygium, frigium, frisium embroidered cloth, embroidery, Latin Phrygium, neuter of Phrygius Phrygian
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH frieze
freeze, friezeWords nearby frieze
frier, fries, Friese-Greene, Friesian, Friesland, frieze, friezing, frig, frigate, frigate bird, frigate mackerel
Definition for frieze (2 of 2)
frieze2
[ freez ]
/ friz /
noun
a heavy, napped woolen cloth for coats.
Origin of frieze
21350–1400; Middle English frise<Old French; see frieze1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for frieze
British Dictionary definitions for frieze (1 of 2)
frieze1
/ (friːz) /
noun
architect
- the horizontal band between the architrave and cornice of a classical entablature, esp one that is decorated with sculpture
- the upper part of the wall of a room, below the cornice, esp one that is decorated
any ornamental band or strip on a wall
Word Origin for frieze
C16: from French frise, perhaps from Medieval Latin frisium, changed from Latin Phrygium Phrygian (work), from Phrygia Phrygia, famous for embroidery in gold
British Dictionary definitions for frieze (2 of 2)
frieze2
/ (friːz) /
noun
a heavy woollen fabric with a long nap, used for coats, etc
Word Origin for frieze
C15: from Old French frise, from Middle Dutch friese, vriese, perhaps from Vriese Frisian
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Cultural definitions for frieze
frieze
[ (freez) ]
An ornamental band that runs around a building. Friezes are usually on the exterior of a building and are often sculpted in bas-relief.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.