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 mischief.
So much of the will, with a spice of the willful.
--Coleridge.
She 'll receive thee, but will spice thy bread With
flowery poisons. --Chapman.
2. To fill or impregnate with the odor of spices.
In the spiced Indian air, by night. --Shak.
3. To render nice or dainty; hence, to render scrupulous.
[Obs.] ``A spiced conscience.'' --Chaucer.