mace 1
/mays/ , n.
1. a clublike armor-breaking weapon of war, often with a flanged or spiked metal head, used chiefly in the Middle Ages.
2. a ceremonial staff carried before or by certain officials as a symbol of office.
3. macebearer.
4. Billiards. a light stick with a flat head, formerly used at times instead of a cue.
[ 1250-1300; ME masse ) large mallet mattea; akin to L matteola kind of mallet; cf. Skt matya harrow ]
mace 2
/mays/ , n.
a spice ground from the layer between a nutmeg shell and its outer husk, resembling nutmeg in flavor.
[ 1350-1400; ME, back formation from macis (taken as pl.) maccis a spice ]