[mace] n [ME, fr. MF macis, fr. L macir, an East Indian spice, fr. Gk makir] (13c): an aromatic spice consisting of the dried external fibrous covering of a nutmeg
[2]mace n [ME, fr. OF, fr. (assumed) VL mattia; akin to L mateola mallet] (14c) 1 a: a heavy often spiked staff or club used esp. in the Middle Ages for breaking armor b: a club used as a weapon
2. a: an ornamental staff borne as a symbol of authority before a public official or a legislative body b: one who carries a mace [3]mace vt maced ; mac.ing (1968): to attack with the liquid Mace Mace trademark--used for a temporarily disabling liquid usu. used as a spray