freɪm n. & v. --n. 1 a case or
border enclosing a
picture,
window,
door, etc. 2
the basic rigid supporting
structure of
anything, e.g. of a
building,
motor vehicle, or
aircraft. 3 (in pl.) the structure of
spectacles holding the lenses. 4 a
human or
animal body,
esp.
with reference to
its size or structure (his frame shook with laughter). 5 a framed
work or structure (the frame of heaven). 6 a an established
order,
plan, or
system (the frame of society). b
construction,
constitution,
build. 7 a
temporary state (esp. in frame of mind). 8 a
single complete image or picture on a
cinema film or transmitted in a
series of lines by
television. 9 a a
triangular structure
for positioning the balls in
snooker etc. b the balls positioned in
this way. c a
round of
play in snooker etc. 10 Hort. a boxlike structure of
glass etc. for protecting plants. 11 a removable box of slats for the building of a
honeycomb in a
beehive. 12 US sl. = frame-up. --v.tr. 1 a set in or
provide with a frame. b
serve as a frame for. 2
construct by a
combination of parts or in
accordance with a
design or plan. 3
formulate or
devise the essentials of (a
complex thing,
idea,
theory, etc.). 4 (foll. by
to, into)
adapt or fit. 5 sl.
concoct a
false charge or
evidence against; devise a
plot with
regard to. 6
articulate (words). øframe-house a
house constructed of a
wooden skeleton covered with boards etc. frame of reference 1 a set of standards or principles governing
behaviour, thought, etc. 2 Geom. a system of geometrical
axes for defining
position. frame-saw a saw stretched in a frame to
make it rigid. frame-up colloq. a
conspiracy, esp. to make an
innocent person appear guilty. øøframable adj. frameless adj. framer n. [OE framian be of service f. fram
forward: see FROM]