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frieze¹ Definition

frieze (frēz)

noun

  1. a decoration or series of decorations forming an ornamental band around a room, mantel, etc.
  2. Archit. a horizontal band, often decorated with sculpture, between the architrave and cornice of a building

Etymology: Fr frise < ML frisium < ? Frank *frisi, a curl, akin to OE fris, crisped, curled; ? confused in folk-etym. by assoc. with ML frigium < L Phrygium, Phrygian: Phrygia was noted for embroidery in gold

frieze² Definition

frieze (frēz)

noun

a heavy wool cloth with a shaggy, uncut nap on one side

Etymology: ME frise < OFr < MDu, prob. akin to frieze

frieze Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • carve: It has a hand carved frieze with flowing ivy leaf design on drop shoulder block.
  • decorate: Peacock feathers and curious birds decorate the frieze around the central pavilion, designed by Philip Witcomb, with green pillars and red lanterns.
  • include: Features include a mother-of-pearl frieze, carved screens and a copper pulpit.
  • support: The front porch has an arched opening, flanked by pilasters, supporting a frieze and cornice with circular pediment.
  • have: The ceiling had a plaster frieze around the edge and a rose in the middle around the electric light.
  • make: Artistic talents â making a frieze on a school wall or helping with sculpture.

Adjective modifier

  • decorative: The large ground floor windows contain a decorative art deco frieze of the most stylistic proportions.
  • painted: Painted fleur-de-lys frieze runs the full length of the church above window level.
  • classical: It's also a Greek classical frieze, this picture.
  • plain: The flanking wall is relieved by projecting pilasters, and a plain frieze and cornice.
  • Greek: It's also a Greek classical frieze, this picture.
  • deep: Deep stone frieze below eaves, 2 Coade stone crocketed pinnacles survive.

Modifies a noun

  • drawer: Library table A rectangular table with frieze drawers, end supports and a central stretcher.
  • panel: The frieze panels feature carved floral swags flanking a tablet of carved cherubs.

Noun used with modifier

  • quatrefoil: Wagon roof of 24 panels, the wall plates with quatrefoil friezes.
  • plaster: Bits of nice architectural decor, such as stained glass, a fine plaster frieze and lots of fancy drapes.
  • wall: Margaret of Norway, from the wall frieze at the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh.
  • stone: I'm almost relieved to see a common pigeon taking a breather next to a stone frieze of a giant heron.
  • number: This will contain a story and rhyme book complete with CD as well as crayons and a number frieze.
  • mosaic: The Appeal is also creating a unique mosaic frieze to hang in the planned Center, once the building is open.

Browse dictionary entries near frieze

  1. Friesland
  2. Friesian
  3. fries
  4. frier
  5. friendship
  6. Friends
  7. -friendly
  8. Friendly Islands
  9. friendly fire
  10. friendly
  1. frig
  2. frigate
  3. frigate bird
  4. Frigg
  5. frigging
  6. fright
  7. fright wig
  8. frighten
  9. frightened
  10. frightening