tierce

(tirs)

noun

  1. Obsolete a third
  2. terce
  3. an old unit of liquid measure, equal to pipe (42 gallons)
  4. a cask of this capacity, between a barrel and a hogshead in size
  5. Fencing the third defensive position, from which a lunge or parry can be made

Origin: ME terce < OFr < L tertia, fem. of tertius, (a) third < base of tres, three

See tierce in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. also Tierce or terce or Terce (tûrs) Ecclesiastical
    a. The third of the seven canonical hours. No longer in liturgical use.
    b. The time of day appointed for this service, usually the third hour after sunrise.
  2. A measure of liquid capacity, equal to a third of a pipe, or 42 gallons (159 liters).
  3. Games A sequence of three cards of the same suit.
  4. Sports The third position from which a parry or thrust can be made in fencing.
  5. Music An interval of a third.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from feminine of tiers, third

Origin: , from Latin tertius; see trei- in Indo-European roots

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