—n.
1 an aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavour food, e.g. cloves, pepper, or mace.
2 spices collectively (a dealer in spice).
3 a an interesting or piquant quality. b (foll. by of) a slight flavour or suggestion (a spice of malice).
—v.tr.
1 flavour with spice.
2 add an interesting or piquant quality to (a book spiced with humour).
Etymology: ME f. OF espice(r) f. L species specific kind: in LL pl. = merchandise
Useful english dictionary. 2012.