Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHAFE, v.t. [Fr. echauffer; Sp. escalfar, to warm; Port. escalfar, to poach or boil slightly; from the root of L. caleo, whence calefio, calfacio.]

1. To excite heat or inflammation by friction, as to chafe the skin; also, to fret and wear by rubbing, as to chafe a cable.
2. To excite heat in the mind; to excite passion; to inflame; to make angry; to cause to fret; to provoke or incense. – 2 Sam. xvii. 8.
3. To excite violent action; to cause to rage; as, the wind chafes the ocean.
4. To perfume; rather, to stimulate, or agitate; to excite by pungent odors. Lilies, whose scent chafed the air. – Suckling.