mace
/meɪs/
NOUN
1. A heavy club used as a weapon
A heavy handheld weapon consisting of a solid shaft or handle with a weighted, often spiked or knobbed head, traditionally used for striking opponents in combat.
1.1. Blunt weapons and combat equipment
Refers to a heavy striking weapon used in historical warfare, martial combat, or ceremonial reenactments to deliver powerful blows.
Synonyms
- club
- cudgel
- bludgeon
- bat
- billy club
- truncheon
- nightstick
- shillelagh
- shillalah
- knobkerrie
- waddy
- blackjack
- maul
Examples
- During the medieval reenactment, the knight brandished his trusty mace in the jousting competition.
- The ancient warrior carried a heavy mace decorated with intricate patterns.
- The museum displayed several medieval weapons, including a steel mace with a spiked head.
Related Words
NOUN
2. A ceremonial symbol of authority
An ornamental staff or modified club carried during official ceremonies as a symbol of institutional power, authority, dignity, or rank.
2.1. Ceremonial and institutional authority
Describes an elaborately decorated mace carried in formal processions or official gatherings to represent the authority of a legislature, university, court, or other institution.
Synonyms
- ceremonial baton
- ceremonial staff
- scepter
Examples
- The ceremonial mace was placed before the speaker at the opening of parliament.
- The university's ornate mace was carried at the head of the graduation procession.
Related Words
- regalia
- insignia
- symbol of authority
- ceremony
- procession
- parliament
- university
- heraldry
- ornamentation
2.2. Marching band leadership and timekeeping
Refers to a long, often decorated baton carried by a drum major to signal musical timing, coordinate movements, and lead a marching band during performances and parades.
Synonyms
- baton
- staff
- marching baton
Examples
- The drum major raised the mace to signal the beginning of the marching band's performance.
- She skillfully twirled the decorated mace while leading the parade.
Related Words
- drum major
- marching band
- parade
- conducting
- rhythm
- timekeeping
- musical performance
NOUN
3. An officer who carries a ceremonial mace
An official appointed to carry a ceremonial mace during formal proceedings, public ceremonies, or institutional functions as a representative of authority.
3.1. Ceremonial officers and institutional representatives
Refers to a person responsible for carrying and presenting a mace during official gatherings, legislative sessions, academic ceremonies, or formal processions.
Synonyms
- macebearer
- mace-bearer
- ceremonial bearer
- staff bearer
Examples
- The macebearer entered the chamber carrying the ornate symbol of parliamentary authority.
- The university mace-bearer led the procession of academic officials.
Related Words
NOUN
4. A mallet used in leatherworking
A specialized heavy, knobbed mallet used by curriers and leatherworkers to beat, soften, and condition leather during the preparation process.
4.1. Leatherworking and material preparation
Describes a heavy hand tool used to strike and work leather, helping make it softer, more flexible, and suitable for further processing.
Synonyms
Examples
- The leatherworker used a mace to soften the hide before shaping it into finished leather goods.
- The traditional workshop displayed several wooden mallets and maces used in leather preparation.
Related Words
NOUN
5. A spice obtained from nutmeg
An aromatic spice made from the dried, reddish, lace-like outer covering of the nutmeg seed, commonly used to flavor sweet and savory foods.
5.1. Cooking and culinary seasoning
Refers to the fragrant spice used in cooking, baking, sauces, soups, and desserts to provide a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor.
Synonyms
- nutmeg aril
- nutmeg covering
- mace spice
Examples
- The chef decided to add mace to the curry for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sarah added a hint of aromatic mace to her famous pumpkin pie.
- The spice merchant displayed mace alongside nutmeg and other fragrant seasonings.
Related Words
- nutmeg
- spice
- seasoning
- aromatic
- myristica
- cinnamon
- cloves
- cardamom
- baking
- curry
NOUN
6. A chemical spray used for personal defense
A handheld defensive spray containing an irritating chemical, commonly oleoresin capsicum or tear gas, designed to temporarily incapacitate or deter an attacker.
6.1. Personal protection and defensive sprays
Refers to a portable chemical spray used for self-defense, particularly pepper spray sold under the Mace brand name or similar personal protection products.
Synonyms
- pepper spray
- tear gas spray
- defensive spray
- personal protection spray
- OC spray
Examples
- She carried a small canister of mace for personal protection.
- The security officer explained how mace is commonly used as a defensive spray.
Related Words
- self-defense
- personal safety
- oleoresin capsicum
- capsaicin
- irritant
- aerosol
- chemical deterrent
NOUN
7. A historical Chinese monetary unit
An obsolete unit of Chinese currency or money of account, traditionally equivalent to one-tenth of a tael and used in historical monetary transactions.
NOUN
8. A historical unit of weight
An obsolete unit of weight historically used in parts of Asia, equivalent to approximately 57.98 grains or 3.76 grams.
VERB
9. To strike with a mace
To hit or beat a person or object with a heavy club-like weapon called a mace.
9.1. Striking and beating with a weapon
Describes the action of delivering physical blows with a heavy mace or similar blunt instrument, particularly in combat or physical confrontation.
Synonyms
Examples
- The warrior attempted to mace his opponent during the battle.
- The knight used his heavy weapon to mace the shield of his adversary.
Related Words
VERB
10. To spray someone with a defensive chemical
To discharge pepper spray, tear gas, or a similar irritating chemical toward someone using a handheld aerosol device, typically for defensive or offensive purposes.
10.1. Personal defense and chemical spraying
Describes using a handheld defensive spray to expose another person to an irritating chemical that causes temporary discomfort and may impair vision or breathing.
Synonyms
- pepper-spray
- spray
- gas
- irritate
Examples
- The attacker was maced by a security officer during the confrontation.
- The demonstrator claimed that police had maced several people in the crowd.
- The guard threatened to mace anyone who attempted to enter the restricted area.
Related Words
- self-defense
- chemical irritant
- oleoresin capsicum
- aerosol
- deterrent
- incapacitation
- personal protection