Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Frame?

\Frame\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Framed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Framing}.] [OE. framen, fremen, to execute, build, AS. fremman to further, perform, effect, fr. fram strong, valiant; akin to E. foremost, and prob. to AS. fram from, Icel. fremja, frama, to further, framr forward, G. fromm worthy, excellent, pious. See {Foremost}, {From}, and cf. {Furnish}.] 1. (Arch. & Engin.) To construct by fitting and uniting the several parts of the skeleton of any structure; specifically, in woodwork, to put together by cutting parts of one member to fit parts of another. See {Dovetail}, {Halve}, v. t., {Miter}, {Tenon}, {Tooth}, {Tusk}, {Scarf}, and {Splice}. 2. To originate; to plan; to devise; to contrive; to compose; in a bad sense, to invent or fabricate, as something false. How many excellent reasonings are framed in the mind of a man of wisdom and study in a length of years. --I. Watts. 3. To fit to something else, or for some specific end; to adjust; to regulate; to shape; to conform. And frame my face to all occasions. --Shak. We may in some measure frame our minds for the reception of happiness. --Landor. The human mind is framed to be influenced. --I. Taylor. 4. To cause; to bring about; to produce. [Obs.] Fear frames disorder, and disorder wounds. --Shak. 5. To support. [Obs. & R.] That on a staff his feeble steps did frame. --Spenser. 6. To provide with a frame, as a picture.
\Frame\, v. i. 1. To shape; to arrange, as the organs of speech. [Obs.] --Judg. xii. 6. 2. To proceed; to go. [Obs.] The bauty of this sinful dame Made many princes thither frame. --Shak.
\Frame\, n. 1. Anything composed of parts fitted and united together; a fabric; a structure; esp., the constructional system, whether of timber or metal, that gives to a building, vessel, etc., its model and strength; the skeleton of a structure. These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, Almighty! thine this universal frame. --Milton. 2. The bodily structure; physical constitution; make or build of a person. Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. --Shak. No frames could be strong enough to endure it. --Prescott. 3. A kind of open case or structure made for admitting, inclosing, or supporting things, as that which incloses or contains a window, door, picture, etc.; that on which anything is held or stretched; as: (a) The skeleton structure which supports the boiler and machinery of a locomotive upon its wheels. (b) (Founding) A molding box or flask, which being filled with sand serves as a mold for castings. (c) The ribs and stretchers of an umbrella or other structure with a fabric covering. (d) A structure of four bars, adjustable in size, on which cloth, etc., is stretched for quilting, embroidery, etc. (e) (Hort.) A glazed portable structure for protecting young plants from frost. (f) (Print.) A stand to support the type cases for use by the compositor. 4. (Mach.) A term applied, especially in England, to certain machines built upon or within framework; as, a stocking frame; lace frame; spinning frame, etc. 5. Form; shape; proportion; scheme; structure; constitution; system; as, a frameof government. She that hath a heart of that fine frame To pay this debt of love but to a brother. --Shak. Put your discourse into some frame. --Shak. 6. Particular state or disposition, as of the mind; humor; temper; mood; as, to be always in a happy frame. 7. Contrivance; the act of devising or scheming. [Obs.] John the bastard Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies. --Shak. {Balloon frame}, {Cant frames}, etc. See under {Balloon}, {Cant}, etc. {Frame} {building or house}, a building of which the form and support is made of framed timbers. [U.S.] -- {Frame level}, a mason's level. {Frame saw}, a thin saw stretched in a frame to give it rigidity.
\Frame\, n. In games: (a) In pool, the triangular form used in setting up the balls; also, the balls as set up, or the round of playing required to pocket them all; as, to play six frames in a game of 50 points. (b) In bowling, as in tenpins, one of the several innings forming a game.