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Entry 17 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Frame

/frām/ · IPA /fɹeɪm/
01 v. t. To construct by fitting and uniting the several parts of the skeleton of any structure; specifically, in woodwork, to put together by cutti…
imp. & p. p. Framed; p. pr. & vb. n. Framing
  1. 1.
    To construct by fitting and uniting the several parts of the skeleton of any structure; specifically, in woodwork, to put together by cutting parts of one member to fit parts of another. See Dovetail, Halve, v. t., Miter, Tenon, Tooth, Tusk, Scarf, and Splice.(Arch. & Engin.) See: Dovetail, Halve, Miter, Tenon, Tooth, Tusk, Scarf, Splice
  2. 2.
    To originate; to plan; to devise; to contrive; to compose; in a bad sense, to invent or fabricate, as something false.
    “How many excellent reasonings are framed in the mind of a man of wisdom and study in a length of years.” — I. Watts.
  3. 3.
    To fit to something else, or for some specific end; to adjust; to regulate; to shape; to conform.
    “And frame my face to all occasions.” — Shak.
    “We may in some measure frame our minds for the reception of happiness.” — Landor.
    “The human mind is framed to be influenced.” — I. Taylor.
  4. 4.
    To cause; to bring about; to produce.[Obs.]
    “Fear frames disorder, and disorder wounds.” — Shak.
  5. 5.
    To support.[Obs. & R.]
    “That on a staff his feeble steps did frame.” — Spenser.
  6. 6.
    To provide with a frame, as a picture.
  7. 7.
    to manufacture false evidence against (an innocent person), so as to make the person appear guilty of a crime. The act of framing a person is often referred to as a frame-up. See: frame-up
02 v. i. To shape; to arrange, as the organs of speech.
  1. 1.
    To shape; to arrange, as the organs of speech.[Obs.]
  2. 2.
    To proceed; to go.[Obs.]
    “The bauty of this sinful dame Made many princes thither frame.” — Shak.
03 n. Anything composed of parts fitted and united together; a fabric; a structure; esp., the constructional system, whether of timber or metal, …
  1. 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.
    “These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, Almighty! thine this universal frame.” — Milton.
  2. 2.
    The bodily structure; physical constitution; make or build of a person.
    “Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.” — Shak.
    “No frames could be strong enough to endure it.” — Prescott.
  3. 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(Founding)
  4. 4.
    A term applied, especially in England, to certain machines built upon or within framework; as, a stocking frame; lace frame; spinning frame, etc.(Mach.)
  5. 5.
    Form; shape; proportion; scheme; structure; constitution; system; as, a frameof government.
    “She that hath a heart of that fine frame To pay this debt of love but to a brother.” — Shak.
    “Put your discourse into some frame.” — Shak.
  6. 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 Also: <er>frame of mind</er> See: frame of mind
  7. 7.
    Contrivance; the act of devising or scheming.[Obs.]
    “John the bastard Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies.” — Shak.
  8. 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.
Phrases & compounds
Balloon frame — See under Balloon, Cant, etc.
Frame building — a building of which the form and support is made of framed timbers.
Frame level — a mason's level.
Frame saw — a thin saw stretched in a frame to give it rigidity.