frostwork

American  

[frawst-wurk, frost-] / ˈfrɔstˌwɜrk, ˈfrɒst- /

noun

1. the delicate tracery formed by frost, especially on glass.

2. similar ornamentation, as on metal.

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frostwork British  

/ ˈfrɒstˌwɜːk /

noun

1. the patterns made by frost on glass, metal, etc

2. similar artificial ornamentation

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Etymology

Origin of frostwork

First recorded in 1640–50; frost + work

Example Sentences

How strangely dim and confused on the water the fantastic frostwork imagery, yet more steadfastly hanging there than ever hung the banks of summer!

From Recreations of Christopher North, Volume I (of 2) by Wilson, John Lyde

The leafless branches of the trees shone coldly in the thin glazing of frostwork and creaked against each other, as the bleak wind whistled through them.

From Ernest Linwood or, The Inner Life of the Author by Hentz, Caroline Lee

It was the very perfection of Gothic carving, and resembled frostwork in its lightness.

From Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands, Volume 2 by Stowe, Harriet Beecher

Yellow with age it was, and delicate as a spider's web, with frostwork of yellowed broidery strewn quaintly on its ancient form, and a touch of real lace.

From The Man of the Desert by Hill, Grace Livingston

They jewelled the grille of frostwork and flung a sprinkle of gold on the falling water.

From Darrel of the Blessed Isles by Bacheller, Irving