tierce Hear it!

tierce definition

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

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

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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