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SINCE 1828

mace

noun (1)
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\ ˈmās How to pronounce mace (audio) \

Definition of mace

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: an aromatic spice consisting of the dried external fibrous covering of a nutmeg

mace

noun (2)

Definition of mace (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : a heavy often spiked staff or club used especially in the Middle Ages for breaking armor
b : a club used as a weapon
2a : an ornamental staff borne as a symbol of authority before a public official (such as a magistrate) or a legislative body
b : one who carries a mace

mace

verb
maced; macing

Definition of mace (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

: to attack with the liquid Mace

Mace

trademark
\ ˈmās How to pronounce Mace (audio) \

Definition of Mace (Entry 4 of 4)

—used for a temporarily disabling liquid usually used as a spray

Examples of mace in a Sentence

Verb She maced the man who attacked her.

First Known Use of mace

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1967, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mace

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Old French mascie, macis, from Medieval Latin macis

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *mattia; akin to Latin mateola mallet

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Time Traveler for mace

Time Traveler

The first known use of mace was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Mace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mace. Accessed 7 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for mace

mace

verb

English Language Learners Definition of mace

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to spray (a person) with Mace

Mace

trademark
How to pronounce Mace (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of Mace (Entry 2 of 2)

—used for a liquid that stings the eyes and skin and that is used as a spray to defend against an attacker

See the full definition for Mace in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mace

noun
\ ˈmās How to pronounce mace (audio) \

Kids Definition of mace

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a spice made from the dried outer covering of the nutmeg

mace

noun

Kids Definition of mace (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a decorated pole carried by an official as a sign of authority
2 : a heavy often spiked club used as a medieval weapon

Mace

trademark
\ ˈmās How to pronounce Mace (audio) \

Medical Definition of Mace

—used for a temporarily disabling liquid that when sprayed in the face of a person causes tears, dizziness, immobilization, and sometimes nausea

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More from Merriam-Webster on mace

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mace

Nglish: Translation of mace for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mace

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