frame

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A border that surrounds and holds a picture, photo, or mirror.

   She put the photo in a silver frame.

2. 2
   noun

   The basic supporting structure of an object, like a building, bicycle, or pair of glasses.

   The bicycle has a lightweight aluminium frame.

3. 3
   verb

   To put a picture or photo inside a frame.

   I want to frame this painting and hang it in the hall.

4. 4
   verb

   To express something in a particular way.

   He framed his request very politely.

From Middle English frame (“profit, benefit, advantage; a structure composed according to a plan”), from the verb (above) and also from Old Norse frami (“advantage, fame, bravery, efficiency, privilege, honor”); and frame (“a framework or structure of any kind”) which is of uncertain origin. The latter is usually regarded as a derivative of former; however, compare the rare Anglo-Norman and Old French frame, fraine (“frame, framework”), itself of uncertain origin, which might be a borrowing from the English, from the Norse, or even possibly ultimately from Frankish *hramu (“frame”) related to…

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