FREEZE, in architecture, that part of the entablature of columns, between the architrave and corniche.
The freeze is properly a large flat face, or member, separating the architrave from the corniche.
The ancients called it noophorus, (507775.) because it was usually enriched with figures of animals; and our denomination freeze has a like origin, being formed of the Latin phrygio, "an embroiderer," because it is commonly adorned with sculptures in basso-relievo, imitating embroidery.