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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†FRUNSH, v. Also fronse. To fret, whine (Rxb. 1825 Jam.); to frown, to look peevish and displeased (Cld. 1880 Jam.). Ppl.adj. fronsed, deep in thought, sc. having the brows wrinkled (Kcb.1 1900).Sc. 1933 W. Soutar Seeds in the Wind 31:
His mither grat, his faither murn'd, His tittie frunsh'd wi' fricht.

[O.Sc. has fronsit, c.1470, frunsit, 1578, wrinkled, puckered, O.Fr. froncir, to wrinkle (the brows), to crease.]

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