n.
Pronunciation: ' p ē s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *pettia, of Gaulish origin; akin to W peth thing
Date: 13th century
1 : a part of a whole: as a : FRAGMENT < piece s of broken glass> b : any of the individual members comprising a unit ― often used in combination <a five- piece band> <a three- piece suit> c : PORTION , ALLOCATION <a piece of the jackpot>
2 : an object or individual regarded as a unit of a kind or class <a piece of fruit>
3 : a usually unspecified distance <down the road a piece >
4 : a standard quantity (as of length, weight, or size) in which something is made or sold
5 : a literary, journalistic, artistic, dramatic, or musical composition
6 : FIREARM
7 : COIN also : TOKEN
8 : a movable object used in playing a board game specifically : a chessman other than a pawn
9 : OPINION , VIEW <spoke his piece >
10 a usually vulgar : an act of copulation b usually vulgar : the female partner in sexual intercourse
11 : INSTANCE , EXAMPLE <silly piece of nonsense> <a nice piece of acting>
synonyms see PART
– of a piece : ALIKE , CONSISTENT
– piece of one's mind : a severe scolding : TONGUE-LASHING
– piece of the action : a share in activity or profit
– to pieces
1 : without reserve or restraint : COMPLETELY
2 : into fragments also : into component parts
3 : out of control <went to pieces from shock>