GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

  1.       
    frail (frāl), n. [OE. fraiel, fraile, OF. fraiel, freel, frael, fr. LL. fraellum.] A basket made of rushes, used chiefly for containing figs and raisins.

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    2. The quantity of raisins -- about thirty-two, fifty-six, or seventy-five pounds, -- contained in a frail.

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    3. A rush for weaving baskets. Johnson.

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  2.       
    frail, a. [Compar. frailer (frālˈẽr); superl. frailest.] [OE. frele, freile, OF. fraile, frele, F. frêle, fr. L. fragilis. See Fragile.]
    1. Easily broken; fragile; not firm or durable; liable to fail and perish; easily destroyed; not tenacious of life; weak; infirm.

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    That I may know how frail I am. Ps. xxxix. 4.

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    An old bent man, worn and frail. Lowell.

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    2. Tender. [Obs.]

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    Deep indignation and compassion frail. Spenser.

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    3. Liable to fall from virtue or be led into sin; not strong against temptation; weak in resolution; also, unchaste; -- often applied to fallen women.

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    Man is frail, and prone to evil. Jer. Taylor.

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