noun Uncommon

mace

mays

Mace (noun) means a heavy club, often with a spiked or knobbed head, historically used as a weapon. Example: “The knight swung his mace and crushed his opponent's shield.”

noun

A heavy club, often with a spiked or knobbed head, historically used as a weapon.

"The knight swung his mace and crushed his opponent's shield."

A ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority, such as in parliament.

"The sergeant-at-arms carried the mace into the chamber to open the session."

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

"The recipe calls for a pinch of ground mace along with the nutmeg."

(often as a trademark) A chemical spray, similar to pepper spray, used for self-defense.

"She carried a small can of mace in her purse for safety."

verb

To spray someone with mace or a similar defensive chemical spray.

"The security guard maced the intruder before calling the police."

How to use mace

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a heavy club-like weapon, a ceremonial staff, a warming spice, or a defensive spray.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the spice mace (from nutmeg) with the self-defense spray mace — completely different things sharing one name.

Common pairings

ceremonial mace ground mace can of mace mace someone

Word forms

maced past tense, maced past tense, maces plural, maces plural, maces plural, maces singular, maces singular

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The knight swung his _____ and crushed his opponent's shield.

Etymology

From Old French mace, ultimately from Vulgar Latin roots meaning a crushing or cutting tool.

Origin: Vulgar Latin

Synonyms

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macer macebearer

Related words

macer

Rhymes for mace

ace face race pace lace Jace peace space trace grace place brace

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mace” mean?

The word “mace” means a heavy club, often with a spiked or knobbed head, historically used as a weapon. In plain terms, depending on context: a heavy club-like weapon, a ceremonial staff, a warming spice, or a defensive spray.

How do you pronounce “mace”?

“Mace” is pronounced mays (/meɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “mace” in a sentence?

Here is “mace” used in a sentence: “The knight swung his mace and crushed his opponent's shield.”

What part of speech is “mace”?

Depending on how it is used, “mace” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “mace” come from?

The word “mace” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French mace, ultimately from Vulgar Latin roots meaning a crushing or cutting tool.

Is “mace” a common word?

“Mace” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “mace” have?

“Mace” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a heavy club, often with a spiked or knobbed head, historically used as a weapon.

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