fray
1. fray \'fra-\ vt [ME fraien, short for affraien to affray] archaic : SCARE; also : to frighten away 2. fray n : BRAWL, FIGHT; also : DISPUTE, DEBATE 3. fray vb [MF froyer, frayer to rub, fr. L fricare] 1a: to wear (as an edge of cloth) by rubbing : FRET 1b: to separate the threads at the edge of 2: STRAIN, IRRITATE : to wear out or into shreds 4. fray n : a raveled place or worn spot (as on fabric)