frieze

¹

[ freez ]

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 ( def 6b ).

frieze

²

[ freez ]

noun

1. a heavy, napped woolen cloth for coats.

frieze

¹

/ 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

frieze

²

/ friːz /

noun

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

frieze

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 .

Word History and Origins

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 frieze²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of frieze¹

C16: from French frise, perhaps from Medieval Latin frisium , changed from Latin Phrygium Phrygian (work), from Phrygia Phrygia, famous for embroidery in gold

Origin of frieze²

C15: from Old French frise , from Middle Dutch friese, vriese , perhaps from Vriese Frisian

Example Sentences

So does the Parthenon frieze depict virgin sacrifice, and was it built over the tomb of these maidens of myth?

From The Daily Beast

This notion of fashion as a kind of wearable narrative is in evidence at industry gatherings like Frieze and Art Basel.

From The Daily Beast

It did not get made due to lack of financing but then Frieze went and did it, which is annoying!

From The Daily Beast

Since then, it has been screened at such venues as the British Film Institute, Southbank London (2008), Frieze Art Fair (2010).

From The Daily Beast

From a 48 portraits of young men and women to a Jeff Koons lobster, the must-see art at Frieze London, which opens on Thursday.

From The Daily Beast

The side walls are surmounted with a chaste frieze, and running towards the base are “stations” and statues of saints.

From Project Gutenberg

They are crowned with capitals of bronze and support the enormous beam of a frieze formed of six polished blocks.

From Project Gutenberg

They saw faint images of painted martyrs and angels peering down from the frieze and vaulting.

From Project Gutenberg

Over this they usually wear a sleeveless jacket of brown frieze, and the cap is of light brown felt, shaped like half a gourd.

From Project Gutenberg

The frieze was composed of a tricusped arcade with small columns carried on corbels with carved heads.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decoration
• embellishment