noun

mace

mays

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

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.

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

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