I. ˈlās verb
( laced ; lac·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French lacer, from Latin laqueare to ensnare, from laqueus
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to draw together the edges of by or as if by a lace passed through eyelets
lace s her fingers behind her head
2. : to draw or pass (as a lace) through something (as eyelets)
3. : to confine or compress by tightening laces of a garment
4.
a. : to adorn with or as if with lace
the surrounding countryside was laced with villages and hamlets — L. C. Heinemann
b. : to mark with streaks of color
5. : beat , lash
6.
a. : to add a dash of liquor to
b. : to add something to impart pungency, savor, or zest to
a sauce laced with garlic
conversation laced with sarcasm
c. : to adulterate with a substance
laced a guard's coffee with a sedative
intransitive verb
1. : to admit of being tied or fastened with a lace
2. : to make a verbal attack — usually used with into
his boss laced into him for being late
• lac·er noun
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French lace, laz, from Latin laqueus snare
Date: 14th century
1. : a cord or string used for drawing together two edges (as of a garment or a shoe)
2. : an ornamental braid for trimming coats or uniforms
3. : an openwork usually figured fabric made of thread or yarn and used for trimmings, household coverings, and entire garments
• laced ˈlāst adjective
• lace·less ˈlās-ləs adjective
• lace·like ˈlās-ˌlīk adjective