fray1
v.
- (of a fabric, rope, or cord) unravel or become worn at the edge.
- (of a person's nerves or temper) show the effects of strain.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. freiier, from L. fricare ‘to rub’.
fray2
n.
(
the fray)
a situation of intense competitive activity.
▸a battle or fight.
Etymology
ME: from archaic fray ‘to quarrel’, from affray ‘startle’, from Anglo-Norman Fr. afrayer (see affray).