frieze
1
[ freez ]
/ friz /
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).
Origin of frieze
1
1555–65; < 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)
frieze
2
[ freez ]
/ friz /
noun
a heavy, napped woolen cloth for coats.
Origin of frieze
2
1350–1400; Middle English
frise < Old French; see
frieze1
Example sentences from the Web for frieze
British Dictionary definitions for frieze (1 of 2)
frieze
1
/ (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)
frieze
2
/ (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
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.