† deˈfrenate, defrænate, v. Obs. Surg.
[f. ppl. stem of L. dēfrēnāre to unbridle; f. de- I. 6 + frēnum, frænum bridle, curb, ligament.]
To remove a frænum or restraining ligament.
| 1758 J. S. Le Dran's Observ. Surg. (1771) 92 To defrænate the Aponeurosis. Ibid. 278, I had..defrænated the Sinus's and scarified the Sides of the Fistula. |