fraise

noun

ˈfrāz 

: an obstacle of pointed stakes driven into the ramparts of a fortification in a horizontal or inclined position

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, literally, "pleated collar, ruff," probably from fraise "mesentery of a calf" (compared in appearance), going back to Middle French, noun derivative of fraiser, fraser "to unwrap, shell (as a bean)," going back to Old French, going back to Vulgar Latin *frēsāre, derivative of Latin frēsa (in faba frēsa "ground bean"), feminine of frēsus, past participle of frendere "to gnash, crush, grind," going back to Indo-European *g^whrend^(h)- "grind" — more at grind entry 1

Note: The French outcomes of Vulgar Latin close e in *frēsāre are irregular and appear to show crossing with another word or words.

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fraise

noun

ˈfrāz 

: a surgical burr shaped like a cone or hemisphere