Feaze

/ˈfiːz/ verb

Definition

To twist or unravel; to worry or trouble (dialectal or archaic).

Etymology

From Middle English 'fese' or 'fase,' possibly related to Old Norse or Old English roots meaning to twist, fray, or unravel, with the meaning later extending to mental distress.

Kelly Says

Feaze is almost extinct in modern English except in some dialects, but it's a perfect example of how physical verbs (like unraveling thread) become psychological ones (like becoming worried)—our minds literally use body metaphors.

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