transitive verb framed, framing
- to shape, fashion, or form, usually according to a pattern; design: to frame a constitution
- to put together the parts of; construct
- to put into words; compose; devise; contrive; conceive: to frame an excuse
- to utter: his lips framed the words
- to adapt for a particular use; adjust; fit: a law framed to equalize the tax burden
- to enclose in a border; provide a border for (a mirror, picture, etc.)
- to photograph or film (objects or activity) within the limits of the frame ()
- ☆ Informal to falsify evidence, testimony, etc. beforehand in order to make (an innocent person) appear guilty
- Obsolete to bring about; cause
Origin:
ME framen < frame, a structure, frame, prob. < ON frami, profit, benefit, akin to frama, to further < fram, forward (akin to OE fram, from); some senses < OE framian, to be helpful: see furnish
intransitive verb
Obsolete to proceed or succeed; go
adjective
☆ having a wooden framework, usually covered with boards: a frame house