A noisy fight, argument, or conflict between multiple parties. The wearing or unraveling of fabric edges due to friction or use.
From Middle English fraien, derived from Old French frayer (to rub). The word originally meant 'to rub' and developed both the sense of fabric wearing and metaphorical conflict through the idea of friction.
The dual meaning of 'fray'—both fabric damage and conflict—beautifully illustrates how physical and social concepts often share linguistic roots. Just as threads come apart under stress, relationships and situations can unravel when subjected to too much tension.
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