Also 5–6 freyte. [of uncertain etymology.

1

  Possibly a use of OF. frete ring, ferrule (see FRET sb.5). Another possibility is that it is connected with FRET v. to rub (cf. quot. 1606).]

2

  In musical instruments like the guitar, formerly a ring of gut (Stainer), now a bar or ridge of wood, metal, etc., placed on the fingerboard, to regulate the fingering.

3

c. 1500.  Prov., in Antiq. Rep. (1809), IV. 406.

        In myddest of the body [of Lute], the stryngis sowndith best,
For stoppide in the freytes they abydeth the pynnes wrest.

4

1565.  Calfhill, Answ. Treat. Crosse, 21 b. If the strings be out of tune, or frets disordered, there wanteth the harmony that should delight.

5

1606.  Chapman, M. D’Olive, I. B 3 b. The string sounds euer well, that rubs not too much ath frets.

6

1698.  Phil. Trans., XX. 80. The Frets are nearer to one another toward the Bridge, and wider toward the Nut or Head of a Viol.

7

1788.  Cavallo, ibid. LXXVIII. 242. In a set of musical keys, pipes, or frets, a temperament is absolutely necessary.

8

1837.  Blackw. Mag., XLI. Jan., 92/1. About the close of the 16th century, the violin, which once had six strings, with guitar frets, was fortunately relieved from these superfluities, and was brought nearly into its present form.

9

  fig.  1587.  Gascoigne’s Wks., Hearbes, &c., Commend. Verse. Whose cords were coucht on frets of deepe disdaine.

10

  attrib.  1814.  Cary, Dante, Paradise, XX. 22.

                            As sound
Of cittern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,
Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tun’d.

11