Mace

From Fresh Dictionary

English

Pronunciation

• RP:
  • IPA: /meɪs/

Noun

mace (plural maces)

1. (Weapon) A weapon similar to a club, having a wooden, metal-reinforced or metal shaft and an iron or steel head.

   Quotations

   • 1786: The Mace is an ancient weapon, formerly much used by cavalry of all nations, and likewise by ecclesiastics, who in consequence of their tenures, frequently took the field, but were by a canon of the church forbidden to wield the sword. — Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 51.

2. A ceremonial form of this weapon.

   Quotations

   • 1598: I am a king that find thee; and I know 'Tis not the balm, the sceptre, and the ball, The sword, the mace, the crown imperial, The intertissued robe of gold and pearl... — William Shakespeare, Henvry V, Act IV, Scene I, line 259.

3. A spice obtained from the outer layer of the kernel of the fruit of the nutmeg.

   Quotations

   • 1610: I must have saffron to color the warden pies; mace; dates, none -- that's out of my note; nutmegs, seven; a race or two of ginger, but that I may beg; four pounds of prunes, and as many of raisins o' th' sun. — William Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale, Act IV, Scene III, line 45.

4. A common name for some types of tear gas.
5. A long baton used by some drum majors to keep time and lead a marching band.

Translations

weapon

ceremonial form of this weapon

spice

Anagrams

• came

fr:mace fi:mace