chafe / chāf/ • v. 1. [tr.] (of something restrictive or too tight) make (a part of the body) sore by rubbing against it: the collar chafed his neck. ∎  [intr.] (of a part of the body) be or become sore as a result of such rubbing. ∎  [intr.] (of an object) rub abrasively against another object: the grommet stops the cable from chafing on the metal.2. [tr.] rub (a part of the body) to restore warmth or sensation. ∎  restore (warmth or sensation) in this way.3. become or make annoyed or impatient because of a restriction or inconvenience: [intr.] the bank chafed at the restrictions imposed upon it | [tr.] it chafed him to be confined like this. • n. 1. wear or damage caused by rubbing.2. archaic a state of annoyance.

chafe †heat, inflame; ruffle, vex XIV; rub so as to warm XV; rage, fret XVI. ME. chaufe — OF. chaufer (mod. chauffer) :- Rom. *calefāre, for calefacere make warm (see CALEFACTION).