Dictionary
Find
in
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Translations

Click to move up the list of words
labyrinthitis
labyrinthodont
LAC
lac (1)
lac (2)
lac insect
lac operon
laccolith
lace
lace bug
lace into
lace monitor
lace pillow
lace up
lace-up
Lacedaemonian
lacemaking
Click to move down the list of words
Print Preview
See pronunciation key
Search for "lace" in all of MSN Encarta
E-mail this entry
Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces
Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

lace

lace [ layss ]


noun  (plural lac·es)
Definition:
 
1. delicate fabric with patterned holes: a delicate fabric made by weaving cotton, silk, or a synthetic yarn in a pattern that leaves small holes between the threads ( often used before a noun )
a lace shawl

2. cord used to tie edges together: a long cord that is used to tie two parts of a garment, shoe, or boot together and is threaded through holes or round hooks

3. braid on military uniforms: ornamental gold or silver braid used on military officers' uniforms and hats



transitive verb  (past and past participle laced, present participle lac·ing, 3rd person present singular lac·es)
Definition:
 
1. fasten something with laces: to tie the edges of something with holes or hooks together by threading laces through the holes or around the hooks, pulling the edges close, and knotting the laces

2. pass lace through holes: to thread a lace or cord through holes or around hooks

3. add alcohol to drink: to add a small amount of alcohol or a drug to a drink or to food
eggnog laced with rum

4. add small amount to something: to add an amount of something to something else to enhance it
an intelligent article laced with wit

5. streak something with different color: to mark something with streaks of a different color

6. intertwine something: to intertwine something with something else
laced her fingers together

7. add lace to something: to decorate or trim something with lace

8. beat somebody: to beat or thrash somebody ( informal )

[12th century. < Old French laz "net, string" < Latin laqueus "noose"]
Advertisement

Also on Encarta
Englishtown: Learn English online
Our Partners
Also on MSN
Encarta Message Boards (© Rubberball/Jupiterimages)
Shopping
© 2009 Microsoft