ɡreɪs n. & v. --n. 1 attractiveness,
esp. in elegance of
proportion or
manner or
movement; gracefulness. 2
courteous good will (had
the grace to apologize). 3 an
attractive feature; an
accomplishment (social graces). 4 a (in
Christian belief) the
unmerited favour of
God; a
divine saving and strengthening
influence. b the
state of receiving
this. c a divinely
given talent. 5
goodwill, favour (fall
from grace). 6
delay granted as a favour (a year's grace). 7 a
short thanksgiving before or
after a meal. 8 (Grace) (in
Greek mythology)
each of
three beautiful sister goddesses, bestowers of
beauty and
charm. 9 (Grace) (prec. by
His,
Her, Your) forms of
description or
address for a
duke,
duchess, or
archbishop. --v.tr. (often foll. by with)
add grace
to,
enhance;
confer honour or
dignity on (graced us
with his presence). ødays of grace the
time allowed by
law for
payment of a
sum due. grace and favour
house etc.
Brit. a house etc. occupied by
permission of a
sovereign etc. grace-note Mus. an
extra note as an embellishment
not essential to the
harmony or
melody. in a person's good (or bad) graces regarded by a
person with favour (or disfavour). with good (or bad) grace as if willingly (or reluctantly). [ME f. OF f. L gratia f. gratus pleasing:
cf. GRATEFUL]