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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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