Frĕsh1, a.
a. [compar. FRESHER; superl. FRESHEST.] [A.-S. fersc, D. versch, M. H. Ger. vrisch, N. H. Ger. frisch, O. H. Ger. frisc, Sw. frisk, Dan. frisk, fersk, Icel. friskr; whence Pr. fresc, Sp., Pg., & It. fresco, O. Fr. fres, freis, f. freske, fresche, N. Fr. frais, fraîche. Cf. FRAISCHEUR.]
Sense 1. Possessed of original life and vigor; new and strong; unimpaired; sound; not faded; untried; recent; as, fresh flowers, fields, strength, pleasure, complexion, recollections. “The fresh beauty.” Chaucer. “Fresh to second pain.” Pope. “Fresh-colored young gentlemen.” Addison.
A fresh pleasure in every fresh posture of the limbs. Landor.
Sense 2. Lately produced, gathered, or prepared for market; new; as, fresh vegetables, eggs, meat, and the like; recently made or obtained; occurring again; repeated; as, a fresh supply of goods; fresh tea, raisins, &c.; lately come or made public; as, fresh news; recently taken from a well or spring; as, fresh water. “Fear of fresh mistakes.” H. Scott.
Sense 3. In a raw, green, or untried state; uncultivated; uncultured; unpracticed; as, a fresh hand on a ship.
Sense 4. Renewed in vigor, alacrity, or readiness for action or exertion; as, fresh for a combat; hence, tending to renew in vigor; cool; brisk; as, a fresh wind.
Sense 5. Not salt; as, fresh water, in distinction from that which is from the sea, or brackish; fresh meat, in distinction from that which is pickled.
Fresh way (Naut.), the increased velocity of a vessel. Totten.
Synonyms—Sound; unimpaired; recent; unfaded; ruddy; florid; sweet; good; inexperienced; unpracticed; unused; lively; vigorous; strong.