(archaic or obsolete) A consequence of rubbing, unravelling, or wearing away; a fraying; also, a place where fraying has occurred.

(countable) A noisy commotion, especially resulting from fighting; a brawl, a fight; also, a loud quarrel.

(countable, figuratively) A heated argument; a war of words.

(uncountable) Conflict, disagreement.

A noun "fray" represents an assault or attack, a loud noise, and fright or terror.

Rub or wear away something, force or make a path through, and in obsolete usage, bruise or deflower someone.

Become unravelled or worn, to rub (referring to a deer), or for a person's mental strength, nerves, temper, etc. to become exhausted or worn out.

Frighten or scare someone or something away, or to assail, attack, drive away, chase away, or disperse someone or something.

Be afraid or frightened, make an assault or attack, create a disturbance, brawl, or fight.

(transitive, obsolete, rare) To bear the expense of (something); to defray.