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fret³

(frĕt)

1. An ornamental design consisting of repeated and symmetrical geometric figures, often in relief, contained within a band or border. Also called key pattern.

2. A headdress, worn by women of the Middle Ages, consisting of interlaced wire.

tr.v. fret·ted, fret·ting, frets

To provide with such a design or headdress.

[Middle English, interlaced work, from Old French frete.]

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fret3

fret designs

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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