Part 365

Frost`fish" (?), n. (Zoˆl.) (a) The tomcod; -- so called because it is abundant on the New England coast in autumn at about the commencement of frost. See Tomcod. (b) The smelt. [Local, U. S.] (c) A name applied in New Zealand to the scabbard fish (Lepidotus) valued as a food fish.

Frost"i*ly (?), adv. In a frosty manner.

Frost"i*ness, n. State or quality of being frosty.

Frost"ing, n. 1. A composition of sugar and beaten egg, used to cover or ornament cake, pudding, etc.

2. A lusterless finish of metal or glass; the process of producing such a finish.

Frost"less, a. Free from frost; as, a frostless winter.

Frost"weed` (?), n. (Bot.) An American species of rockrose (Helianthemum Canadense), sometimes used in medicine as an astringent or aromatic tonic.

It has large yellow flowers which are often sterile, and later it has abundant but inconspicuous flowers which bear seed. It is so called because, late in autumn, crystals of ice shoot from the cracked bark at the root; -- called also frostwort.

Frost`work" (?), n. The figurework, often fantastic and delicate, which moisture sometimes forms in freezing, as upon a window pane or a flagstone.

Frost`wort" (?), n. (Bot.) Same as Frostweed.

Frost"y (?), a. [Cf. AS. fyrstig.] 1. Attended with, or producing, frost; having power to congeal water; cold; freezing; as, a frosty night.

2. Covered with frost; as, the grass is frosty.

3. Chill in affection; without warmth of affection or courage. Johnson.

4. Appearing as if covered with hoarfrost; white; gray-haired; as, a frosty head. Shak.

Frote (?), v. t. [F. frotter.] To rub or wear by rubbing; to chafe. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

Fro"ter*er (?), n. One who frotes; one who rubs or chafes. [Obs.] Marston.

Froth (?), n. [OE. frothe, Icel. froa; akin to Dan. fraade, Sw. fradga, AS. freoan to froth.]

1. The bubbles caused in fluids or liquors by fermentation or agitation; spume; foam; esp., a spume of saliva caused by disease or nervous excitement.

2. Any empty, senseless show of wit or eloquence; rhetoric without thought. Johnson.

It was a long speech, but all froth.

L'Estrange.

3. Light, unsubstantial matter. Tusser.

Froth insect (Zoˆl.), the cuckoo spit or frog hopper; -- called also froth spit, froth worm, and froth fly. -- Froth spit. See Cuckoo spit, under Cuckoo.

Froth, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Frothed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.. Frothing.] 1. To cause to foam.

2. To spit, vent, or eject, as froth.

He . . . froths treason at his mouth.

Dryden.

Is your spleen frothed out, or have ye more?