lace

lace [lās]

n.

[ME las < OFr las, laz < L laqueus, a noose, snare, trap < IE base * lēk- > OE læla, a whip]

1. a string, ribbon, etc. used to draw together and fasten the parts of a shoe, corset, etc. by being drawn through eyelets or over hooks

2. an ornamental braid of gold or silver, for trimming uniforms, hats, etc.

3. a fine netting or openwork fabric of cotton, polyester, etc., woven in ornamental designs

vt.

laced, lacing [ME lacen, lasen < OFr lacier < L laqueare, to ensnare, entangle < the n.]

1. to draw the ends of (a garment, shoe, etc.) together and fasten with a lace

2. to compress the waist of by lacing a corset, etc.: often with up

3. to pass (a cord, etc.) in and out through eyelets, fabric, etc.

4. to weave together; intertwine

5. to ornament with or as with lace

6.

a) to streak, as with color

b) to diversify, as with a contrasting element

7.

a) to thrash; whip

b) to hit hard [the batter laced the ball into center field]

8. to add a dash of alcoholic liquor to (a beverage)

vi.

1. to be fastened with a lace [these shoes lace]

2. Informal to attack physically or verbally: with into