FRAXINUS, the Ash; a genus of plants belonging to the polygamia class; and in the natural method ranking under the 44th order, Sepiariae. See BOTANY Index.
FRAY literally signifies to fret; as cloth or stuff does by rubbing, or over much wearing.
Among hunters a deer is said to fray his head, when he rubs it against a tree, to cause the skins of his new horns to come off.