lace
UK[leɪs]US[leɪs]
n
a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern.
n
a cord or string used for fastening shoes or garments.
v
to fasten or tighten with a lace or laces.
v
to add a small amount of a substance, especially alcohol, to a drink or dish.
Etymology
the word "lace" entered english in the early 13th century from old french "las," meaning "a net, noose, string, cord, snare." the old french term derived from vulgar latin "laceum," a noun form from latin "laqueus," meaning "a noose, snare." this latin root is thought to be related to "lacere," meaning "to entice, lure," capturing the idea of something that ensnares or binds. the semantic journey from a "snare" to a "decorative cord or fabric" reflects a shift from a functional tool for catching or binding to an ornamental item used for fastening and adornment, with the verb senses of fastening and adulterating drinks logically extending from the core concept of intertwining or entangling.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from old french. it is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
she wore a dress trimmed with delicate lace.
he stopped to tie the lace on his running shoe.
the detective suspected the coffee had been laced with poison.