frieze

Definition

A kind of coarse woollen cloth or stuff with a shaggy or tufted (friezed) nap on one side.

Etymology

Late Middle English, from French and Middle French frise, probably from Medieval Latin Frisia (“Frisian (wool)”) due to import via Northern ships. Or, from French friser (“to curl”)..

Example Sentences

• "[I]f a plaine fellow well and cleanely apparelled, either in home-ſpun ruſſet or freeze (as the ſeaſon requires) with a five pouch at his girdle, happen to appeare in his ruſticall likenes: there is a Cozen ſaies one, At which word out flies the Taker, and thus giues the onſet vpon my olde Pennyfather."
• "This dark, frieze-coated, hoarse, teeth-chattering month […]"
• "From beggar's frieze to monarch's robe, / One common doom is pass'd; / Sweet nature's works, the swelling globe, / Must all burn out at last."