Meanings of fretted away in English

Renfrew conferred with some technicians, checked readings himself, and fretted away several minutes.

Joy had burst asunder the last ligaments, so fretted away in unrevealing sorrow.

I mean that the ice is being rapidly fretted away as it moves along.

Her unceasing grief fretted away her strength, and six months later she was borne to St. Mungo's ancient burying ground to share Jessie's grave.