lace

I. verb (laced; lacing) Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French lacer, from Latin laqueare to ensnare, from laqueus Date: 13th century transitive verb 1. to draw together the edges of by or as if by a lace passed through eyelets <

laces her fingers behind her head

> 2. to draw or pass (as a lace) through something (as eyelets) 3. to confine or compress by tightening laces of a garment 4. a. to adorn with or as if with lace <

the surrounding countryside was laced with villages and hamlets — L. C. Heinemann

> b. to mark with streaks of color 5. beat, lash 6. a. to add a dash of liquor to b. to add something to impart pungency, savor, or zest to <

a sauce laced with garlic

> <

conversation laced with sarcasm

> c. to adulterate with a substance <

laced a guard's coffee with a sedative

> intransitive verb 1. to admit of being tied or fastened with a lace 2. to make a verbal attack — usually used with into <

his boss laced into him for being late

> • lacer noun II. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French lace, laz, from Latin laqueus snare Date: 14th century 1. a cord or string used for drawing together two edges (as of a garment or a shoe) 2. an ornamental braid for trimming coats or uniforms 3. an openwork usually figured fabric made of thread or yarn and used for trimmings, household coverings, and entire garments • laced adjective • laceless adjective • lacelike adjective