Alencon lace

Lace Lace (l[=a]s), n. [OE. las, OF. laz, F. lacs, dim. lacet, fr. L. laqueus noose, snare; prob. akin to lacere to entice. Cf. {Delight}, {Elicit}, {Lasso}, {Latchet}.] 1. That which binds or holds, especially by being interwoven; a string, cord, or band, usually one passing through eyelet or other holes, and used in drawing and holding together parts of a garment, of a shoe, of a machine belt, etc. [1913 Webster]

His hat hung at his back down by a lace. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

For striving more, the more in laces strong Himself he tied. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

2. A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a net. [Obs.] --Fairfax. [1913 Webster]

Vulcanus had caught thee [Venus] in his lace. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

3. A fabric of fine threads of linen, silk, cotton, etc., often ornamented with figures; a delicate tissue of thread, much worn as an ornament of dress. [1913 Webster]

Our English dames are much given to the wearing of costly laces. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

4. Spirits added to coffee or some other beverage. [Old Slang] --Addison. [1913 Webster]

{Alen[,c]on lace}, a kind of point lace, entirely of needlework, first made at Alen[,c]on in France, in the 17th century. It is very durable and of great beauty and cost.

{Bone lace}, {Brussels lace}, etc. See under {Bone}, {Brussels}, etc.

{Gold lace}, or {Silver lace}, lace having warp threads of silk, or silk and cotton, and a weft of silk threads covered with gold (or silver), or with gilt.

{Lace leather}, thin, oil-tanned leather suitable for cutting into lacings for machine belts.

{Lace lizard} (Zo["o]l.), a large, aquatic, Australian lizard ({Hydrosaurus giganteus}), allied to the monitors.

{Lace paper}, paper with an openwork design in imitation of lace.

{Lace piece} (Shipbuilding), the main piece of timber which supports the beak or head projecting beyond the stem of a ship.

{Lace pillow}, and {Pillow lace}. See under {Pillow}. [1913 Webster]