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lace definition

lace (lās)

noun

  1. 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
  2. an ornamental braid of gold or silver, for trimming uniforms, hats, etc.
  3. a fine netting or openwork fabric of cotton, polyester, etc., woven in ornamental designs

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

transitive verb laced, lacing lac′·ing

  1. to draw the ends of (a garment, shoe, etc.) together and fasten with a lace
  2. to compress the waist of by lacing a corset, etc.: often with up
  3. to pass (a cord, etc.) in and out through eyelets, fabric, etc.
  4. to weave together; intertwine
  5. 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
  6. to add a dash of alcoholic liquor to (a beverage)

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

intransitive verb

  1. to be fastened with a lace these shoes lace
  2. Informal to attack physically or verbally: with into

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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