Middle English

Alternative forms

• freinen

Verb

frainen

1. to ask (someone about something), to inquire
   • c. 1370–90, William Langland, Piers Plowman, I:

     Þanne I frained hir faire · for hym þat hir made. or Then I frayned at Faith what all that fare meant and who should joust in Jerusalem.

   • c. 1390, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales:

     She fraineth and she prayeth pitously To every Jew that dwelt in thilke place To tell her if her child went ought forby.

   • fifteenth century, unknown author, The prophecies of Thomas the Rhymer:

     I frained fast what was his name, Where that he came, from what country.

2. to ask (a question)

Related terms

• frain

Descendants

• English: frain