(of a fabric, rope, or cord) unravel or become worn at the edge, typically through constant rubbing

cheap fabric soon frays

(of a male deer) rub (a bush or small tree) with the head in order to remove the velvet from newly formed antlers, or to mark territory during the rut

bucks mark their territory by fraying small trees

a situation of intense competitive activity

ten companies intend to bid for the contract, with three more expected to enter the fray