n. & v.
n. 1 an aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavour food, e.g. cloves, pepper, or mace. 2 spices collectively (a dealer in spice). 3 a an interesting or piquant quality. b (foll. by of) a slight flavour or suggestion (a spice of malice).
v.tr. 1 flavour with spice. 2 add an interesting or piquant quality to (a book spiced with humour).
[ ME f. OF espice(r) f. L species specific kind: in LL pl. = merchandise ]