frit

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A fused mixture of materials used to make glass.
2. (countable, uncountable)A similar material used in the manufacture of ceramic beads and small ornaments. (eastern Mediterranean; Bronze and Iron Age)
3. (countable, uncountable)Any of many black enamel dots baked in a graded pattern onto the glass around the edge of a windshield.

   “Made from ceramic paint baked directly into the glass, frits help bond the windscreen to the vehicle by providing a textured surface for adhesives and shielding them from damaging UV rays.”

4. (UK, derogatory)A politician who does not perform some action (for example answering a question or calling a vote) out of fear of losing.

   “Why are you not going to bother? You are scared? You are a frit? Is that the problem?”

5. A frit fly.

verb

1. To add frit to a glass or ceramic mixture
2. To prepare by heat (the materials for making glass); to fuse partially.

   “equal parts of the calcined and roasted ore, of ground flints and potash, are fritted together and then fused”

adj

1. (UK, especially, regional)Frightened.

   “The right hon. Gentleman is afraid of an election, is he? Afraid? Frightened? Frit? Could not take it? Cannot stand it? If I were going to cut and run, I should have gone after the Falklands.”

   ““We shoulder life. We know its ins and outs. We've felt the draught at either end of it. What you're most frit of, that's our bread and jam, and none of us ain't got no time to spare on ignorant, bad-mannered little boys.””