Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Frame

Frame , transitive verb

[Old English framen, fremen, to execute, build, Anglo-Saxon fremman to further, perform, effect, from fram strong, valiant; akin to English foremost, and prob. to Anglo-Saxon fram from, Icelandic fremja, frama, to further, framr forward, German fromm worthy, excellent, pious. See Foremost, From, and compare Furnish.]

1.
(Architecture & Engineering) To construct by fitting and uniting the several parts of the skeleton of any structure; specifically, in woodwork, to put together by cutting parts of one member to fit parts of another. See Dovetail, Halve, transitive verb, Miter, Tenon, Tooth, Tusk, Scarf, and Splice.
2.
To originate; to plan; to devise; to contrive; to compose; in a bad sense, to invent or fabricate, as something false.
How many excellent reasonings are framed in the mind of a man of wisdom and study in a length of years. — I. Watts
3.
To fit to something else, or for some specific end; to adjust; to regulate; to shape; to conform.
And frame my face to all occasions. — Shakespeare
We may in some measure frame our minds for the reception of happiness. — Landor
The human mind is framed to be influenced. — I. Taylor
4.
To cause; to bring about; to produce. [Obsolete]
Fear frames disorder, and disorder wounds. — Shakespeare
5.
To support. [Obsolete & Rare]
That on a staff his feeble steps did frame. — Spenser
6.
To provide with a frame, as a picture.
7.
to manufacture false evidence against (an innocent person), so as to make the person appear guilty of a crime. The act of framing a person is often referred to as a frame-up.

Frame , intransitive verb

1.
To shape; to arrange, as the organs of speech. [Obsolete] — Judg. xii. 6
2.
To proceed; to go. [Obsolete]
The bauty of this sinful dame Made many princes thither frame. — Shakespeare

Frame , noun

1.
Anything composed of parts fitted and united together; a fabric; a structure; esp., the constructional system, whether of timber or metal, that gives to a building, vessel, etc., its model and strength; the skeleton of a structure.
These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, Almighty! thine this universal frame. — Milton
2.
The bodily structure; physical constitution; make or build of a person.
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. — Shakespeare
No frames could be strong enough to endure it. — Prescott
3.
(Founding) A kind of open case or structure made for admitting, inclosing, or supporting things, as that which incloses or contains a window, door, picture, etc.; that on which anything is held or stretched
(a)
(Founding) The skeleton structure which supports the boiler and machinery of a locomotive upon its wheels.
(b)
(Founding) A molding box or flask, which being filled with sand serves as a mold for castings.
(c)
(Founding) The ribs and stretchers of an umbrella or other structure with a fabric covering.
(d)
(Founding) A structure of four bars, adjustable in size, on which cloth, etc., is stretched for quilting, embroidery, etc.
(e)
(Founding) A glazed portable structure for protecting young plants from frost.
(f)
(Founding) A stand to support the type cases for use by the compositor.
(f)
(Founding) a pair of glasses without the lenses; that part of a pair of glasses that excludes the lenses.
4.
(Machinery) A term applied, especially in England, to certain machines built upon or within framework; as, a stocking frame; lace frame; spinning frame, etc.
5.
Form; shape; proportion; scheme; structure; constitution; system; as, a frameof government.
She that hath a heart of that fine frame To pay this debt of love but to a brother. — Shakespeare
Put your discourse into some frame. — Shakespeare
6.
Particular state or disposition, as of the mind; humor; temper; mood; as, to be always in a happy frame. Same as <er>frame of mind</er>
7.
Contrivance; the act of devising or scheming. [Obsolete]
John the bastard Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies. — Shakespeare
8.
In games: (a) In pool, the triangular form used in setting up the balls; also, the balls as set up, or the round of playing required to pocket them all; as, to play six frames in a game of 50 points. (b) In bowling, as in tenpins, one of the several innings forming a game.
Collocations (3)
Balloon frame or Cant frames , etc. See under Balloon, Cant, etc.
Frame building or Frame house or Frame level , a building of which the form and support is made of framed timbers. [United States] a mason's level.
Frame saw , a thin saw stretched in a frame to give it rigidity.