Frost

(21), n. [A-S. forst, frost, from fréosan, frysan, to freeze; O. Sax., Icel., Sw., Dan., O. H. Ger., & N. H. Ger. frost, M. H. Ger. vrost, D. vorst, Goth. frius. See FREEZE.]

1Sense 1. The act of freezing; — applied chiefly to the congelation of water; congelation of fluids.

2Sense 2. That state or temperature of the air which occasions congelation, or the freezing of water; severe cold or freezing weather.

The third day comes a frost, a killing frost. Shak.

Nipped with the lagging rear of winter's frost. Milton.

3Sense 3. Frozen dew; — called also hoar-frost or white-frost.

He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. Ps. cxlvii. 16.

4Sense 4. Coldness or insensibility of temperament; harsh, stern, or repulsive manner; severity or rigidity of character. [Rare.]

It was one of those moments of intense feeling when the frost of the Scottish people melts like a snow-wreath. W. Scott.

Black frost, cold so intense as to freeze vegetation and cause it to turn black, without the formation of white or hoar frost.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. FROSTED; p. pr. & vb. n. FROSTING.] To cover with any thing resembling hoar-frost, as cake with powdered white sugar.

While with a hoary light she frosts the ground. Wordsworth.