n. & v.
n. 1 a a single step in walking or running. b the distance covered in this (about 75 cm or 30 in.). c the distance between two successive stationary positions of the same foot in walking. 2 speed in walking or running. 3 Theatr. & Mus. speed or tempo in theatrical or musical performance (played with great pace). 4 a rate of progression. 5 a a manner of walking or running; a gait. b any of various gaits, esp. of a trained horse etc. (rode at an ambling pace).
v. 1 intr. a walk (esp. repeatedly or methodically) with a slow or regular pace (pacing up and down). b (of a horse) = AMBLE. 2 tr. traverse by pacing. 3 tr. set the pace for (a rider, runner, etc.). 4 tr. (foll. by out) measure (a distance) by pacing. keep pace (often foll. by with) advance at an equal rate (as). pace bowler Cricket a bowler who delivers the ball at high speed without spin. pace-setter 1 a leader. 2 = PACEMAKER 1. put a person through his (or her) paces test a person's qualities in action etc. set the pace determine the speed, esp. by leading. stand (or stay) the pace be able to keep up with others. -paced adj. pacer n.
[ ME f. OF pas f. L passus f. pandere pass- stretch ]