Obs. [f. CANKER sb. + FRET pa. pple. ‘eaten away, gnawed.’] a. Eaten away with ‘canker’ or gangrene; b. Corroded with rust.

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1297.  R. Glouc., 299. Somme by come cancrefrete, & somme blynde oþer wode.

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1603.  H. Crosse, Vertues Commw. (1878), 56. Blades … canker-fret and rustie within.

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