Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

File Request
     
        1. The {FidoNet} equivalent of {FTP}, in which one {BBS}
        system automatically dials another and {snarf}s one or more
        files.  Often abbreviated "FReq"; files are often announced as
        being "available for FReq" in the same way that files are
        announced as being "available for/by {anonymous FTP}" on the
        {Internet}.
     
        2. The act of getting a copy of a file by using the File
        Request option of the {BBS} mailer.
     
        [{Jargon File}]
     
        (1995-01-05)