frieze1

[freez] /friz/
noun
1.
Architecture.
  1. the part of a classical entablature between the architrave and the cornice, usually decorated with sculpture in low relief.
  2. any decorative band on an outside wall, broader than a stringcourse and bearing lettering, sculpture, etc.
2.
any decorative band at the top or beneath the cornice of an interior wall, a piece of furniture, etc.
3.
Furniture. skirt (def 6b).
Origin
1555-65; < Middle French frise, perhaps < Medieval Latin phrygium, frigium, frisium embroidered cloth, embroidery, Latin Phrygium, neuter of Phrygius Phrygian

frieze2

[freez] /friz/
noun
1.
a heavy, napped woolen cloth for coats.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English frise < Old French; see frieze1
Examples from the web for frieze
  • The view is stunning, and an equally stunning stone frieze depicts the long trek in moving, heroic form.
  • Look for the delightful tiled frieze of cherubs behind the counter.
  • East, south, and west walls are also decorated with indentations at the frieze line.
  • The north and south buildings were square with square lattice vents between a wood frieze and the roof.
  • The northwest room has a similar mantel except that the frieze is carved with pinwheel and star motifs.
  • The top of the west facade is capped by an entablature, excluding frieze relief decoration.
  • The decorative features include dormers, chimneys with clay pots and a cast iron frieze below the roof soffit.
  • Restore original finials, repair decorative exterior frieze work, and repair masonry.
  • The figures are arranged with a carefully measured rhythm along a narrow stage, as in a frieze or vase painting.
  • Sheltering the two entrances are turned-post porches accented with delicate spindled brackets and a spindled frieze.
British Dictionary definitions for frieze

frieze1

/friːz/
noun
1.
(architect)
  1. the horizontal band between the architrave and cornice of a classical entablature, esp one that is decorated with sculpture
  2. the upper part of the wall of a room, below the cornice, esp one that is decorated
2.
any ornamental band or strip on a wall
Word Origin
C16: from French frise, perhaps from Medieval Latin frisium, changed from Latin Phrygium Phrygian (work), from Phrygia Phrygia, famous for embroidery in gold

frieze2

/friːz/
noun
1.
a heavy woollen fabric with a long nap, used for coats, etc
Word Origin
C15: from Old French frise, from Middle Dutch friese, vriese, perhaps from Vriese Frisian
Word Origin and History for frieze
n.

"sculptured horizontal band in architecture," 1560s, from Middle French frise, originally "a ruff," from Medieval Latin frisium "embroidered border," variant of frigium, probably from Latin Phrygium "Phrygian, Phrygian work," from Phrygia, the ancient country in Asia Minor known for its embroidery (cf. Phrygiae vestes "ornate garments"). Meaning "decorative band along the top of a wall" was in Old French.

frieze in Culture
frieze [(freez)]

An ornamental band that runs around a building. Friezes are usually on the exterior of a building and are often sculpted in bas-relief.