mace

/meɪs/
noun
  1. A heavy medieval club with a spiked metal head, used as a weapon.
    • The knight swung his mace with great force during the battle.
    • The guard carried a mace as a symbol of his authority.
    • In the museum, we saw a collection of medieval maces and swords.
  2. A spray or aerosol used for self-defense, containing a chemical that irritates the eyes and skin.
    • She keeps a can of mace in her purse for safety when walking alone at night.
    • After being sprayed with mace, the thief ran away, rubbing his eyes.
    • The security guard used mace to stop the attacker.
  3. A spice made from the outer covering of nutmeg seeds, used in cooking and baking.
    • I ground some fresh mace into the sauce for extra aroma.
    • Mace is often used in pumpkin pie and other fall desserts.
    • The recipe calls for a pinch of mace to add a warm, nutty flavor.
  4. A ceremonial staff carried by an official, such as a mayor or university chancellor, as a symbol of authority.
    • The silver mace was displayed in a glass case in the town hall.
    • During the graduation ceremony, the mace was carried by the university's chancellor.
    • The mayor entered the hall carrying the city's ceremonial mace.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To spray someone with mace (a chemical irritant) as a form of attack or defense.
    • The police officer had to mace the aggressive dog to protect the bystanders.
    • She threatened to mace anyone who tried to break into her car.
    • The robber was maced by the store clerk and quickly surrendered.
What does "mace" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean