- frame
-
I. verb
(framed; framing)
Etymology: Middle English, to benefit, construct, from Old English framian to benefit, make progress; akin to Old Norse fram forward, Old English fram from
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. to construct by fitting and uniting the parts of the skeleton of (a structure)
2.
a. plan, contrive <framed a new method of achieving their purpose> b. shape, construct c. to give expression to ; formulate d. to draw up (as a document) 3. a. to devise falsely (as a criminal charge) b. to contrive the evidence against (an innocent person) so that a verdict of guilty is assured c. fix 7b 4. to fit or adjust especially to something or for an end ; arrange 5. obsolete produce 6. to enclose in a frame; also to enclose as if in a frame intransitive verb 1. archaic proceed, go 2. obsolete manage • framable or frameable adjective • framer noun II. noun Date: 14th century 1. a. something composed of parts fitted together and united b. the physical makeup of an animal and especially a human body ; physique, figure 2. a. the underlying constructional system or structure that gives shape or strength (as to a building) b. a frame dwelling 3. obsolete the act or manner of framing 4. a. a machine built upon or within a framework <a spinning frame> b. an open case or structure made for admitting, enclosing, or supporting something <a window frame> c. (1) a part of a pair of glasses that holds one of the lenses (2) plural that part of a pair of glasses other than the lenses d. a structural unit in an automobile chassis supported on the axles and supporting the rest of the chassis and the body 5. a. an enclosing border b. the matter or area enclosed in such a border: as (1) one of the squares in which scores for each round are recorded (as in bowling); also a round in bowling (2) an individual drawing in a comic strip usually enclosed by a bordering line (3) one picture of the series on a length of film (4) a complete image for display (as on a television set) c. an inning in baseball d. (1) framework 1a (2) context, frame of reference e. an event that forms the background for the action of a novel or play 6. frame-up III. adjective Date: 1753 having a wood frame <frame houses>
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.