GRACE

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks, from gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Sanskrit gṛṇāti he praises Date: 12th century 1. unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification, a virtue coming from God, a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine ~, 2. approval , favor , mercy , pardon , a special favor ; privilege , disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency, a temporary exemption ; reprieve , 3. a charming or attractive trait or characteristic, a pleasing appearance or effect ; charm , ease and suppleness of movement or bearing, 4. — used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks, three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty, a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura, 8. sense of propriety or right , the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful, see: mercy II. transitive verb (~d; gracing) Date: 1585 to confer dignity or honor on, adorn , embellish