a. Brittle. [ Obs. ] Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. Frower. ] A cleaving tool with handle at right angles to the blade, for splitting cask staves and shingles from the block; a frower. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ D. vrouw; akin to G. frau woman, wife, goth, fráuja master, lord, AS. freá. ]
a. [ Fro + -ward. See Fro, and cf. Fromward. ] Not willing to yield or comply with what is required or is reasonable; perverse; disobedient; peevish;
A froward man soweth strife. Prov. xvi. 28. [ 1913 Webster ]
A froward retention of custom is as turbulent a thing as innovation. Bacon.
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n. [ Cf. frow a frower, and Prov. E, frommard. ] A tool. See 2d Frow. Tusser. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ See Frow, a. ] (Carp.) Working smoothly, or without splitting; -- said of timber. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i.
The frowning wrinkle of her brow. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
The sky doth frown and lower upon our army. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.
His front yet threatens, and his frowns command. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]
Her very frowns are fairer far
Than smiles of other maidens are. H. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. To repress or repel by expressing displeasure or disapproval; to rebuke with a look;
adv. In a frowning manner. [ 1913 Webster ]