Frow (?), 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.
Frow (?), a. Brittle. [Obs.] Evelyn.
Fro"ward (?), a. [Fro + - ward. See Fro, and cf. Fromward.] Not willing
to yield or compIy with what is required or is reasonable; perverse;
disobedient; peevish; as, a froward child.
A froward man soweth strife.
Prov. xvi. 28.
A froward retention of custom is as turbulent a thing as
innovation.
Bacon.
Syn. -- Untoward; wayward; unyielding; ungovernable: refractory;
obstinate; petulant; cross; peevish. See Perverse.
-- Fro"ward*ly, adv. -- Fro"ward*ness, n.
Frow"er (?), n. [Cf. frow a frower, and Prov. E, frommard.] A tool. See
2d Frow. Tusser.
Frow"ey (?), a. [See Frow, a.] (Carp.) Working smoothly, or without
splitting; -- said of timber.
Frown (?), v. i. [imp. &, p. p. Frowned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Frowning.]
[OF. froignier, F. frogner, in se refrogner, se renfrogner, to knit the
brow, to frown; perh. of Teutonic origin; cf. It. in frigno wrinkled,
frowning, Prov. It. frignare to cringe the face, to make a wry face,
dial. Sw. fryna to make a wry face,] 1. To contract the brow in
displeasure, severity, or sternness; to scowl; to put on a stern, grim,
or surly look.
The frowning wrinkle of her brow.
Shak.
2. To manifest displeasure or disapprobation; to look with disfavor or
threateningly; to lower; as, polite society frowns upon rudeness.
The sky doth frown and lower upon our army.
Shak.
Frown, v. t. To repress or repel by expressing displeasure or
disapproval; to rebuke with a look; as, frown the impudent fellow into
silence.
Frown, n. 1. A wrinkling of the face in displeasure, rebuke, etc.; a
sour, severe, or stere look; a scowl.
His front yet threatens, and his frowns command.
Prior.
Her very frowns are fairer far Than smiles of other maidens are.
H. Coleridge.
2. Any expression of displeasure; as, the frowns of Providence; the
frowns of Fortune.
Frown"ing*ly, adv. In a frowning manner.