Peace - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Peace :  (noun)
1: the state prevailing during the absence of war [ant: war]
2: harmonious relations; freedom from disputes; "the roommates lived in peace together"
3: the absence of mental stress or anxiety [syn: peacefulness, peace of mind, repose, serenity, heartsease, ataraxis]
4: the general security of public places; "he was arrested for disturbing the peace" [syn: public security]
5: a treaty to cease hostilities; "peace came on November 11th" [syn: peace treaty, pacification]

Based on WordNet 2.0

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: (a) Exemption from, or cessation of, war with public enemies. (b) Public quiet, order, and contentment in obedience to law. (c) Exemption from, or subjection of, agitating passions; tranquillity of mind or conscience. (d) 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) A term used in wills, indictments, etc., as denoting a state of peace and good conduct. (b) (Theol.) The peace of heart which is the gift of God.

Peace offering. (a) (Jewish Antiq.) A voluntary offering to God in token of devout homage and of a sense of friendly communion with Him. (b) 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.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Peace : \Peace\, v. t. & i. To make or become quiet; to be silent; to stop. [R.] ``Peace your tattlings.'' --Shak.

When the thunder would not peace at my bidding. --Shak.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

PEACE. The tranquillity enjoyed by a political society, internally, by the good order which reigns among its members, and externally, by the good understanding it has with all other nations. Applied to the internal regulations of a nation,Peace : imports, in a technical sense, not merely a state of repose and security, as opposed to one of violence and warfare, but likewise a state of public order and decorum. Ham. N. P. 139; 12 Mod. 566. Vide, generally, Bac. Ab. Prerogative, D 4; Hale, Hist. P. C. 160; 3 Taunt. R. 14; 1 B. & A. 227; Peake, R. 89; 1 Esp. R. 294; Harr. Dig. Officer, V 4; 2 Benth. Ev. 319, note. Vide Good behaviour; Surety of the peace.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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