frieze Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice
  2. noun a heavy woolen fabric with a long nap

WordNet

Frieze noun
Etymology
Perh. the same word as frieze a, kind of cloth. Cf. Friz.
Definitions
  1. (Arch.) (a) That part of the entablature of an order which is between the architrave and cornice. It is a flat member or face, either uniform or broken by triglyphs, and often enriched with figures and other ornaments of sculpture. (b) Any sculptured or richly ornamented band in a building or, by extension, in rich pieces of furniture. See Illust. of Column.
    Cornice or frieze with bossy sculptures graven. Milton.
Frieze noun
Etymology
F. frise, perh. originally a woolen cloth or stuff from Friesland (F. Frise); cf. LL. frisii panni and frissatus pannus, a shaggy woolen cloth, F. friser to friz, curl. Cf. Friz.
Definitions
  1. A kind of coarse woolen cloth or stuff with a shaggy or tufted (friezed) nap on one side. "Robes of frieze." Goldsmith.
Frieze transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make a nap on (cloth); to friz. See Friz, v. t., #2.

Webster 1913