■ noun
1》 a piece of material used to cover a torn or weak point.
↘a shield worn over a sightless or injured eye.
↘a piece of cloth sewn on to clothing as a badge.
↘an adhesive piece of drug-impregnated material worn on the skin so that the drug may be gradually absorbed.
↘ historical a small black silk disc worn on the face, especially by women in the 17th and 18th centuries.
2》 a small area differently coloured or otherwise distinct.
3》 a small piece of ground, especially one used for gardening.
↘ Brit. informal an area for which someone is responsible or in which they operate.
4》 Brit. informal a period of time regarded as distinct: a bad ~.
5》 a temporary electrical or telephone connection.
↘a preset configuration or sound data file in an electronic musical instrument.
6》 Computing a small piece of code inserted to correct or enhance a program.
■ verb
1》 mend, strengthen, or protect by means of a ~.
↘(usu. be ~ed with ) cause to become variegated.
2》 ( ~ someone/thing up ) informal treat someone's injuries or repair the damage to something, especially hastily.
↘( ~ something together ) construct something hastily from unsuitable components.
↘( ~ something up ) restore peaceful or friendly relations after a quarrel or dispute.
3》 connect by a temporary electrical, radio, or telephonic connection.
4》 Computing improve or correct (a routine or program) by inserting a ~.
Phrases
not a ~ on Brit. informal greatly inferior to.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
ME: perh. from a var. of OFr. pieche , dialect var. of piece 'piece'.