The Collaborative International Dictionary
Peace \Peace\, n. [OE. pees, pais, OF. pais, paiz, pes, F. paix, L. pax, pacis, akin to pacere, paciscere, pacisci, to make an agreement, and prob. also pangere to fasten. Cf. Appease, Fair, a., Fay, v., Fang, Pacify, Pact, Pay to requite.] A state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose; specifically:
Exemption from, or cessation of, war with public enemies.
Public quiet, order, and contentment in obedience to law.
Exemption from, or subjection of, agitating passions; tranquillity of mind or conscience.
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Reconciliation; agreement after variance; harmony; concord. ``The eternal love and pees.'' --Chaucer. Note: Peace is sometimes used as an exclamation in commanding silence, quiet, or order. ``Peace! foolish woman.'' --Shak. At peace, in a state of peace. Breach of the peace. See under Breach. Justice of the peace. See under Justice. Peace of God. (Law)
A term used in wills, indictments, etc., as denoting a state of peace and good conduct.
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(Theol.) The peace of heart which is the gift of God. Peace offering.
(Jewish Antiq.) A voluntary offering to God in token of devout homage and of a sense of friendly communion with Him.
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A gift or service offered as satisfaction to an offended person.
Peace officer, a civil officer whose duty it is to preserve the public peace, to prevent riots, etc., as a sheriff or constable.
To hold one's peace, to be silent; to refrain from speaking.
To make one's peace with, to reconcile one with, to plead one's cause with, or to become reconciled with, another. ``I will make your peace with him.''
--Shak.