v. dial. and U.S. Also frazle. [Cf. FASEL v., and FRAY v.2] trans. To fray, wear out, tear to rags or ribbons. lit. and fig. Hence Frazzled ppl. a. Also Frazzle sb., the state of being frazzled or worn out; Frazzlings, ravellings.
a. 1825. Forby, Voc. E. Anglia, Frazle, to unravel or rend cloth. Frazlings, threads of cloth, torn or unravelled.
1893. Amer. Missionary (N.Y.) Dec., 418. One’s garments get frazzled in the grass; one’s mind and body and spiritual sense sometimes become frazzled, torn to pieces, good-for-nothing.
1894. Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch, 2 Jan. Two years ago his nerves were worn to a frazzle over an attempt made to levy a tax.
1895. Nebraska State Jrnl., 23 June, 3/1. Everyone believed that Thomas would … plant the frazzled banner of the distillers in its place.
