from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Frame \Frame\, n.
1. Anything composed of parts fitted and united together; a
fabric; a structure; esp., the constructional system,
whether of timber or metal, that gives to a building,
vessel, etc., its model and strength; the skeleton of a
structure.
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These are thy glorious works, Parent of good,
Almighty! thine this universal frame. --Milton.
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2. The bodily structure; physical constitution; make or build
of a person.
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Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. --Shak.
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No frames could be strong enough to endure it.
--Prescott.
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3. A kind of open case or structure made for admitting,
inclosing, or supporting things, as that which incloses or
contains a window, door, picture, etc.; that on which
anything is held or stretched; as:
(a) The skeleton structure which supports the boiler and
machinery of a locomotive upon its wheels.
(b) (Founding) A molding box or flask, which being filled
with sand serves as a mold for castings.
(c) The ribs and stretchers of an umbrella or other
structure with a fabric covering.
(d) A structure of four bars, adjustable in size, on which
cloth, etc., is stretched for quilting, embroidery,
etc.
(e) (Hort.) A glazed portable structure for protecting
young plants from frost.
(f) (Print.) A stand to support the type cases for use by
the compositor.
(f) a pair of glasses without the lenses; that part of a
pair of glasses that excludes the lenses.
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4. (Mach.) A term applied, especially in England, to certain
machines built upon or within framework; as, a stocking
frame; lace frame; spinning frame, etc.
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5. Form; shape; proportion; scheme; structure; constitution;
system; as, a frameof government.
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She that hath a heart of that fine frame
To pay this debt of love but to a brother. --Shak.
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Put your discourse into some frame. --Shak.
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6. Particular state or disposition, as of the mind; humor;
temper; mood; as, to be always in a happy frame. Same as
{{frame of mind}}
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7. Contrivance; the act of devising or scheming. [Obs.]
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John the bastard
Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies. --Shak.
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8. In games:
(a) In pool, the triangular form used in setting up the
balls; also, the balls as set up, or the round of
playing required to pocket them all; as, to play six
frames in a game of 50 points.
(b) In bowling, as in tenpins, one of the several innings
forming a game.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{Balloon frame}, {Cant frames}, etc. See under {Balloon},
{Cant}, etc.
{Frame building} or {Frame house}, a building of which the
form and support is made of framed timbers. [U.S.] --
{Frame level}, a mason's level.
{Frame saw}, a thin saw stretched in a frame to give it
rigidity.
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