piece

piece [pēs]

n.

[ME pece < OFr < ML * pettia < Celt * pett- > Welsh peth, part, Bret pez, piece]

1. a part or fragment broken or separated from the whole

2. a section, division, or quantity regarded as complete in itself and distinct from the whole of which it is a part

3. any single thing, amount, specimen, example, etc.; specif.,

a) an artistic work or composition, as of music, writing, painting, drama, etc.

b) an article in a magazine, newspaper, etc.

c) an action or its result [a piece of nonsense, business, etc.]

d) a small firearm, as a pistol or rifle

e) a coin or token [a fifty-cent piece]

f) one of a set or class, as of silver, china, furniture, etc.

g) a counter or man, as used in various games; specif., in chess, a chessman other than a pawn

4. the quantity or size, as of cloth or wallpaper, that is manufactured as a unit

5. an amount or unit of work constituting a single job

6. Now Chiefly Dial. an indefinite distance or duration; often, specif., a rather short one

7. Now Chiefly Dial. a person; individual

☆ 8. Slang a financial interest; share

9. Slang

a) a woman regarded as a sexual partner

b) an instance of sexual intercourse: often regarded as vulgar: also [Vulgar Slang] Slang piece of ass

vt.

pieced, piecing

1. to add a piece or pieces to, as in repairing or enlarging [to piece a pair of trousers]

2. to join or unite

vi.

[Informal or Dial.] to eat a snack between meals

SYN.- PART¹

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go to pieces

1. to break into pieces; fall apart

2. to lose all self-control, morally or emotionally

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of a piece or of one piece

of the same sort; alike; consistent (with)

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piece together

to join the pieces of, as in mending

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☆ speak one's piece

to vent one's views or opinions

piecer

n.