main distributing frame

main distributing frame [′mān di′strib·yəd·iŋ ‚frām]

(electricity)

Frame which terminates the permanent outside lines entering the central office building on one side and the subscriber-line multiple cabling, trunk multiple cabling, and so on, used for associating an outside line with any desired terminal on the other side; it usually carries the control-office protective devices, and functions as a test point between line and office. Also known as main frame.