Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Spice
Spice
,Noun.
1.
Species; kind.
[Obs.]
The
spices
of penance ben three. Chaucer.
Abstain you from all evil
spice
. Wyclif (1. Thess,v. 22).
Justice, although it be but one entire virtue, yet is described in two kinds of
spices
. The one is named justice distributive, the other is called commutative. Sir T. Elyot.
2.
A vegetable production of many kinds, fragrant or aromatic and pungent to the taste, as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, ginger, cloves, etc., which are used in cookery and to flavor sauces, pickles, etc.
Hast thou aught in thy purse [bag] any hot
spices
? Piers Plowman.
3.
Figuratively, that which enriches or alters the quality of a thing in a small degree, as spice alters the taste of food; that which gives zest or pungency; a slight flavoring; a relish; hence, a small quantity or admixture; a sprinkling;
as, a
. spice
of mischiefSo much of the will, with a
spice
of the willful. Coleridge.
Spice
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Spiced
; p. p. & vb. n.
Spicing
.] 1.
To season with spice, or as with spice; to mix aromatic or pungent substances with; to flavor; to season;
as, to
. spice
wine; to spice
one’s words with witShe 'll receive thee, but will
With flowery poisons.
spice
thy breadWith flowery poisons.
Chapman.
2.
To fill or impregnate with the odor of spices.
In the
spiced
Indian air, by night. Shakespeare
3.
To render nice or dainty; hence, to render scrupulous.
[Obs.]
“A spiced conscience.” Chaucer.
Webster 1828 Edition
Spice
SPICE
,Noun.
1.
A vegetable production, fragrant or aromatic to the smell and pungent to the taste; used in sauces and in cookery.2.
A small quantity; something that enriches or alters the quality of a thing in a small degree, as spice alters the taste of a thing.3.
A sample.SPICE
, v.t.1.
To season with spice; to mix aromatic substances with; as, to spice wine.2.
To tincture; as the spiced Indian air.3.
To render nice; to season with scruples.