Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FRET, n.

1. The agitation of the surface of a fluid by fermentation or other cause; a rippling on the surface of water; small undulations continually repeated. Addison.
2. Work raised in protuberances; or a kind of knot consisting of two lists or small fillets interlaced, used as an ornament in architecture.
3. Agitation of mind; commotion of temper; irritation; as, he keeps his mind in a continual fret. Yet then did Dennis rave in furious fret. Pope.
4. A short piece of wire fixed on the finger-board of a guitar, &c., which being pressed against the strings varies the tone. Busby.
5. In heraldry, a bearing composed of bars crossed and interlaced.