lace Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
    lacing.
  2. noun a delicate decorative fabric woven in an open web of symmetrical patterns
  3. verb spin,wind, or twist together
    twine; interlace; intertwine; enlace; entwine.
    • intertwine the ribbons
    • Twine the threads into a rope
    • intertwined hearts
  4. verb make by braiding or interlacing
    braid; plait.
    • lace a tablecloth
  5. verb do lacework
    • The Flemish women were lacing in front of the cathedral
  6. verb draw through eyes or holes
    lace up.
    • lace the shoelaces
  7. verb add alcohol to (beverages)
    fortify; spike.
    • the punch is spiked!

WordNet

Lace noun
Etymology
OE. las, OF. laz, F. lacs, dim. lacet, fr. L. laqueus noose, snare; prob. akin to lacere to entice. Cf. Delight, Elicit, Lasso, Latchet.
Definitions
  1. That which binds or holds, especially by being interwoven; a string, cord, or band, usually one passing through eyelet or other holes, and used in drawing and holding together parts of a garment, of a shoe, of a machine belt, etc.
    His hat hung at his back down by a lace. Chaucer.
    For striving more, the more in laces strong Himself he tied. Spenser.
  2. A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a net. Obs. Fairfax.
    Vulcanus had caught thee [Venus] in his lace. Chaucer.
  3. A fabric of fine threads of linen, silk, cotton, etc., often ornamented with figures; a delicate tissue of thread, much worn as an ornament of dress.
    Our English dames are much given to the wearing of costlylaces. Bacon.
  4. Spirits added to coffee or some other beverage. Old Slang Addison.
Lace transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Laced present participle & verbal noun Lacing
Definitions
  1. To fasten with a lace; to draw together with a lace passed through eyelet holes; to unite with a lace or laces, or, figuratively. with anything resembling laces. Shak.
    When Jenny's stays are newly laced. Prior.
  2. To adorn with narrow strips or braids of some decorative material; as, cloth laced with silver. Shak.
  3. To beat; to lash; to make stripes on. Colloq.
    I'll lace your coat for ye. L'Estrange.
  4. To add spirits to (a beverage). Old Slang
Lace intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To be fastened with a lace, or laces; as, these boots lace.

Webster 1913