Frown (?), v. i. [imp. &, p.
p. Frowned (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Frowning.] [OF. froignier, F. frogner, in se
refrogner, se renfrogner, to knit the brow, to frown;
perh. of Teutonic origin; cf. It. in frigno wrinkled,
frowning, Prov. It. frignare to cringe the face, to make a wry
face, dial. Sw. fryna to make a wry face,] 1.
To contract the brow in displeasure, severity, or sternness; to
scowl; to put on a stern, grim, or surly look.
The frowning wrinkle of her brow.
Shak.
2. To manifest displeasure or disapprobation;
to look with disfavor or threateningly; to lower; as, polite society
frowns upon rudeness.
The sky doth frown and lower upon our
army.
Shak.
Frown, v. t. To repress or repel
by expressing displeasure or disapproval; to rebuke with a look; as,
frown the impudent fellow into silence.
Frown, n. 1. A
wrinkling of the face in displeasure, rebuke, etc.; a sour, severe,
or stere look; a scowl.
His front yet threatens, and his frowns
command.
Prior.
Her very frowns are fairer far
Than smiles of other maidens are.
H.
Coleridge.
2. Any expression of displeasure; as, the
frowns of Providence; the frowns of Fortune.
