architecture, that part of the entablature of columns, between the architrave and cornice.

The freeze is properly a large flat face, or member, separating the architrave from the cornice.

The ancients called it zoophorus, because it was usually enriched with figures of animals; and our denomination freeze has a like origin, being formed of the Latin phraggio, "an embroiderer;" because it is commonly adorned with sculptures in basso-rilievo, imitating embroidery.