First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1lace
verb \ˈlās\
: to pull a lace through the holes of (a shoe, boot, etc.)
: to be tied or fastened with a lace
: to add a small amount of a powerful substance (such as alcohol, a drug, or a poison) to (something, such as a drink)
lacedlac·ing
Full Definition of LACE
transitive verb
1
: to draw together the edges of by or as if by a lace passed through eyelets <laces her fingers behind her head>
2
: to draw or pass (as a lace) through something (as eyelets)
3
: to confine or compress by tightening laces of a garment
4
a : to adorn with or as if with lace <the surrounding countryside was laced with villages and hamlets — L. C. Heinemann> b : to mark with streaks of color
6
a : to add a dash of liquor to b : to add something to impart pungency, savor, or zest to <a sauce laced with garlic> <conversation laced with sarcasm> c : to adulterate with a substance <laced a guard's coffee with a sedative>
intransitive verb
1
: to admit of being tied or fastened with a lace
2
: to make a verbal attack —usually used with into <his boss laced into him for being late>
— lac·er noun
See lace defined for English-language learners
See lace defined for kids
Origin of LACE
Middle English, from Anglo-French lacer, from Latin laqueare to ensnare, from laqueus
Related to LACE
- Synonyms
- enlace, entwine, implicate [archaic], interlace, intertwist, interweave, inweave, intertwine, ply, twist, weave, wreathe, writhe
- Antonyms
- enrich, fortify, richen, strengthen
2lace
noun
: a cord or string used for tying or holding things together
: a very thin and light cloth made with patterns of holes
Full Definition of LACE
1
: a cord or string used for drawing together two edges (as of a garment or a shoe)
2
: an ornamental braid for trimming coats or uniforms
3
: an openwork usually figured fabric made of thread or yarn and used for trimmings, household coverings, and entire garments
— laced \ˈlāst\ adjective
— lace·less \ˈlās-ləs\ adjective
— lace·like \ˈlās-ˌlīk\ adjective
See lace defined for English-language learners
Origin of LACE
Middle English, from Anglo-French lace, laz, from Latin laqueus snare
First Known Use: 14th century
LACES Defined for Kids
1lace
verb \ˈlās\
lacedlac·ing
Definition of LACE for Kids
: to fasten or join with or as if with a cord or string <Lace your shoes.>
2lace
noun
Definition of LACE for Kids
1
: a cord or string for pulling and holding together opposite edges (as of a shoe)
2
: a very delicate fabric made with patterns of holes
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