2 entries under this word
[O. Fr. affraier, affréer, N. Fr. effrayer, Pr. esfreyar, esfreidar, to frighten; from Lat. frigidus, cold, frosty; frigus, n., cold, a cold shudder produced by fear.] To frighten.
The kettle-drum and far-heard clarionet Affray his ears. Keats.
n. [O. Fr. affrai, esfroi, N. Fr. effroi, Pr. esfrei, terror; Fr. frayeur, O. Fr. froior, Pr. freior. See supra.]
Sense 1. Fear or terror; fright. [Obs.] Spenser.
Sense 2. (Law.) The fighting of two or more persons, in a public place, to the terror of others. Blackstone.
☞ A fighting in private is not, in a legal sense, an affray.
Sense 3. A tumultuous assault or quarrel; a brawl; a fray. “In the very midst of the affray.” Motley.
Synonyms—Quarrel; brawl; scuffle; encounter; fight; contest; feud; tumult; disturbance.