frieze
|frieze|
/friːz/
decorated horizontal band; coarse napped wool
Etymology
'frieze' originates from Old French 'frise', meaning a curled or braided ornament or a coarse woollen cloth.
'frise' in Old French passed into Middle English as 'frise' or 'freese', and eventually became the modern English 'frieze', used both for an architectural ornament and for the coarse woollen fabric.
Initially associated with 'curled' or 'frizzled' texture (as in curled hair or nap of cloth); over time it came to denote specifically an ornamental horizontal band in architecture and a type of coarse napped woollen cloth.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a horizontal band, often near the top of a wall or building, decorated with sculpted or painted ornamentation (commonly part of an entablature in classical architecture).
The temple's frieze depicts scenes from ancient myths.
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Noun 2
a coarse, heavy woollen cloth with a rough nap or pile; historically used for outer garments and upholstery.
He wrapped himself in a frieze coat to ward off the winter wind.
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Last updated: 2025/10/04 13:15