[grace] n [ME, fr. OF, fr. L gratia favor, charm, thanks, fr. gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Skt grnati he praises] (12c) 1 a: unmerited divine assistance given man for his regeneration or sanctification b: a virtue coming from God c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2. a: approval, favor "stayed in his good ~s" b archaic: mercy, pardon c: a special favor: privilege "each in his place, by right, not ~, shall rule his heritage --Rudyard Kipling" d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e: a temporary exemption: reprieve 3 a: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic b: a pleasingly graceful appearance or effect: charm c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing 4--used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop
5: a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks
6. pl, cap: three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty 7: a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura
8. a: sense of propriety or right "had the ~ not to run for elective office --Calvin Trillin" b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful syn see mercy
[2]grace vt graced ; grac.ing (1585) 1: to confer dignity or honor on
2: adorn, embellish "graveled walks graced with statues --J. A. Michener"