fraxInus

[Lat.=an ash tree.] 1. Bot .: A genus of plants belonging to the order Oleacea (Olive worts). The calyx is wanting, or four-cleft; cor absent, or of four petals. The stamina are two; the ovary two-celled and two-seeded; the fruit two-celled and two-seeded. Fraxinus excelsior is the common ash. [ASH.] It has pinnate leaves. There is a variety Beta heterophylla , or Simple-leaved Ash, with the leaves simple or pinnate. 2. Chem.: The leaves of Fraxinus excelsior, the common ash, are used on the continent in the form of decoction, half-ounce of leaves to a pint of water, in cases of chronic gout. (Garrod.) Its bark is said to be tonic and febrifugal. [MANNA.] frāy (1), *fra ye, s. (A shortened form of affray , s. (q. v.)] *1. Fear; alarm; anxiety. Whenne Jacob was moost in fray God him coumfortide, that al do may." Cursor Mundi, 4,775. IMG:content-0114.png:[blocks in formation] "He had also combat; but that fray fruit of those slips which he got in his going down the hill."- Bunyan: Pilgriri's Progre , pt. ii. *fray-maker, s . One who creates a disturbance; a disorderly person. "Constables may by the law disarme and imprison house-breakers, fray - makers , rioters, and others, to prevent bloodshed, quarrels, and preserve the public peace." -Prynne: Treachery and Disloyalty , pt. iv., p. 28.