n. 1 a quiet; tranquillity (needs peace to work well). b mental calm; serenity (peace of mind). 2 a (often attrib.) freedom from or the cessation of war (peace talks). b (esp. Peace) a treaty of peace between two States etc. at war. 3 freedom from civil disorder. 4 Eccl. a ritual liturgical greeting. at peace 1 in a state of friendliness. 2 serene. 3 euphem. dead. hold one's peace keep silence. keep the peace prevent, or refrain from, strife. make one's peace (often foll. by with) re-establish friendly relations. make peace bring about peace; reconcile. the peace (or the queen's peace) peace existing within a realm; civil order. Peace Corps US an organization sending young people to work as volunteers in developing countries. peace-offering 1 a propitiatory or conciliatory gift. 2 Bibl. an offering presented as a thanksgiving to God. peace-pipe a tobacco-pipe as a token of peace among US Indians.
[ ME f. AF pes, OF pais f. L pax pacis ]