lace

(lās)

noun

a string, ribbon, etc. used to draw together and fasten the parts of a shoe, corset, etc. by being drawn through eyelets or over hooks
an ornamental braid of gold or silver, for trimming uniforms, hats, etc.
a fine netting or openwork fabric of cotton, polyester, etc., woven in ornamental designs

Origin: ME las < OFr las, laz < L laqueus, a noose, snare, trap < IE base *lēk- > OE læla, a whip

transitive verb laced, lacing

to draw the ends of (a garment, shoe, etc.) together and fasten with a lace
to compress the waist of by lacing a corset, etc.: often with up
to pass (a cord, etc.) in and out through eyelets, fabric, etc.
to weave together; intertwine
to ornament with or as with lace
1. to streak, as with color
2. to diversify, as with a contrasting element
1. to thrash; whip
2. to hit hard: the batter laced the ball into center field
to add a dash of alcoholic liquor to (a beverage)

Origin: ME lacen, lasen < OFr lacier < L laqueare, to ensnare, entangle < the n.

intransitive verb

See lace in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A cord or ribbon used to draw and tie together two opposite edges, as of a shoe.
A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern. Also called lacework.
Gold or silver braid ornamenting an officer's uniform.

verb laced laced, lac·ing, lac·es

verb, transitive

To thread a cord through the eyelets or around the hooks of.
a. To draw together and tie the laces of.
b. To restrain or constrict by tightening laces, especially of a corset.
To pull or pass through; intertwine: lace garlands through a trellis.
To trim or decorate with or as if with lace.
a. To add a touch of flavor to: “today's chefs love to lace their goods with lively, pronounced flavors” (David Rosengarten).
b. To add a substance, especially an intoxicant or narcotic, to: laced the eggnog with rum and brandy.
c. To add or intersperse with something in order to produce a certain effect: “Quacks now lace their pitch with scientific terms that may sound authentic to the uninformed” (Jane E. Brody).
To streak with color.
To give a beating to; thrash: laced his opponent in the second round.