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

Pendant from tree and shrub hung glittering icicles, and on the window panes the frostwork looked like the invisible effort of some fairy spirits, that a breath from mortals would dissolve.

From Clemence The Schoolmistress of Waveland by Babcock, Retta

Every clambering vine, every weed and dried leaf wore a coat of lace-webbed frostwork.

From At the Foot of the Rainbow by Stratton-Porter, Gene

Now, being irrevocably awake, you peep through the half-drawn window-curtain, and observe that the glass is ornamented with fanciful devices in frostwork, and that each pane presents something like a frozen dream.

From The Haunted Mind (From "Twice Told Tales") by Hawthorne, Nathaniel

Before sunrise, doubtless, the blaze hovered upon the gray skirts of night and dissolved the frostwork that had gathered like a curtain over the small window-panes.

From Fire Worship (From "Mosses from an Old Manse") by Hawthorne, Nathaniel

The small panes of his window were so obscured by frostwork that he did not attempt to look through the glass, but opened his door.

From What Necessity Knows by Dougall, Lily