mace

mace · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A heavy medieval weapon with a spiked metal head on a shaft.

  2. 2.

    A ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority.

  3. 3.

    A spice made from the dried outer covering of the nutmeg seed.

  4. 4.

    (trademark) A chemical spray used for self-defense.

Forms

plural: maces

Related words

See also: nutmeg, scepter, weapon
Synonyms: bludgeon, club

Etymology

Senses 1-2 from Old French mace, from Vulgar Latin mattea, from Latin matea ("club"). Sense 3 from Latin macir, a red spicy bark from India.