Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
FRAY
I. transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English fraien, short for affraien to affray
Date: 14th century
scare ,
II. noun
Date: 14th century
a usually disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute,
III. verb see: friction
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1. to wear (as an edge of cloth) by or as if by rubbing ; fret , to separate the threads at the edge of, strain , irritate , intransitive verb to wear out or into shreds, to show signs of strain ,
IV. noun
Date: 1630
a raveled place or worn spot (as on fabric)