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Fray vs Feud - What's the difference?

fray | feud |

In lang=en terms the difference between fray and feud

is that fray is to rub while feud is to carry on a feud.

As nouns the difference between fray and feud

is that fray is affray; broil; contest; combat; brawl; melee while feud is a state of long-standing mutual hostility or feud can be an estate granted to a vassal by a feudal lord in exchange for service.

As verbs the difference between fray and feud

is that fray is to unravel; used particularly for the edge of something made of cloth, or the end of a rope while feud is to carry on a feud.

fray

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) frai, aphetic variant of affray.

Noun

(en noun)
  • Affray; broil; contest; combat; brawl; melee.
  • Though they did not know the reason for the dispute, they did not hesitate to leap into the fray .
  • * Shakespeare
  • Who began this bloody fray ?
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2010 , date=December 29 , author=Mark Vesty , title=Wigan 2 - 2 Arsenal , work=BBC citation , page= , passage=Wigan, unbeaten in five games at the DW Stadium, looked well in control but the catalyst for Arsenal's improvement finally came when Diaby left the field with a calf injury and Jack Wilshere came into the fray , bringing some much needed determination and urgency to lacklustre Arsenal. }}
  • (archaic) fright
  • Etymology 2

    From (etyl) fraien, from (etyl) frayer, from (etyl) .

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To unravel; used particularly for the edge of something made of cloth, or the end of a rope.
  • The ribbon frayed at the cut end.
  • (figuratively) To cause exhaustion, wear out (a person's mental strength).
  • The stressful day ended in frayed nerves. (Metaphorical use; nerves are visualised as strings)
  • (archaic) frighten; alarm
  • * 1662 , , Book II, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 63:
  • "Besides, all the wit and Philosophy in the world can never demonstrate, that the killing and slaughtering of a Beast is anymore then the striking of a Bush where a Bird's Nest is, where you fray away the Bird, and then seize upon the empty Nest."
  • * Spenser
  • What frays ye, that were wont to comfort me affrayed?
  • To bear the expense of; to defray.
  • * Massinger
  • The charge of my most curious and costly ingredients frayed , I shall acknowledge myself amply satisfied.
  • To rub.
  • * Sir Walter Scott
  • We can show the marks he made / When 'gainst the oak his antlers frayed .

    feud

    English

    Etymology 1

    From (etyl) fede, feide, , ultimately from the same Germanic source. Related to (l), (l).

    Alternative forms

    * fede (obsolete)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A state of long-standing mutual hostility.
  • ''You couldn't call it a feud exactly, but there had always been a chill between Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
  • (professional wrestling slang) A staged rivalry between wrestlers.
  • (obsolete) A combination of kindred to avenge injuries or affronts, done or offered to any of their blood, on the offender and all his race.
  • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To carry on a feud.
  • ''The two men began to feud after one of them got a job promotion and the other thought he was more qualified.

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl), from (etyl) feodum.

    Alternative forms

    * feod

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An estate granted to a vassal by a feudal lord in exchange for service
  • Synonyms
    * fee * fief