fret saw

American  

noun

1. a long, narrow-bladed saw used to cut ornamental work from thin wood.

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fret saw British  

noun

1. a fine-toothed saw with a long thin narrow blade, used for cutting designs in thin wood or metal

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Etymology

Origin of fret saw

First recorded in 1860–65

Compare meaning

How does fret-saw compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fret saw vs. coping saw

Example Sentences

He bored a hole with the aid of the chisel and hammer, then inserting the fret saw, worked through the width of one of the boards, working against the passage wall.

From '?19,000' by Delannoy, Burford

When the wood is dry, cut out with a fret saw two pieces shaped like Fig.

From Things To Make by Williams, Archibald

The slot down the centre is best made with a fret saw, and should be smoothed internally by drawing a strip of fine glass paper to and fro through it.

From Things To Make by Williams, Archibald

He only said, "You shall see," and again fumbling in his bag took out a tiny fret saw.

From Dracula by Stoker, Bram

Mark these two holes off carefully, and cut out with a pad saw or fret saw.

From Things To Make by Williams, Archibald