trice

¹

[ trahys ]

noun

1. a very short time; an instant:

   in a trice.

trice

²

[ trahys ]

verb (used with object)

, Nautical.

, triced, tric·ing.

1. to pull or haul with a rope.
2. to haul up and fasten with a rope (usually followed by up ).

-trice

³

1. variant of -trix.

trice

¹

/ traɪs /

verb

1. troften foll byup nautical to haul up or secure

trice

²

/ traɪs /

noun

1. moment; instant (esp in the phrase in a trice )

Other Words From

• un·triced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trice¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English tryse; probably special use of trise (unrecorded) “a pull, tug,” derivative of trisen, “to pull”; trice ²

Origin of trice²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English trisen, from Middle Dutch trīsen “to hoist,” derivative of trīse “pulley”

Origin of trice³

< French or Italian -trice < Latin -trīcem, accusative of -trīx -trix

Word History and Origins

Origin of trice¹

C15: from Middle Dutch trīsen , from trīse pulley

Origin of trice²

C15 (in the phrase at or in a trice , in the sense: at one tug): apparent substantive use of trice ²

Example Sentences

The affair took place in 1652, and was fought with swords, the Colonel being run through the body in a trice.

From Project Gutenberg

In a trice he speeded up the Comet and leaped forward toward the caon, sand and loosened pebbles dropping all around him.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence to Tom Trice for the probate of the will and had it done to my mind, which did give my father and me good content.

From Project Gutenberg

Early to my cozen Thomas Trice to discourse about our affairs, and he did make demand of the L200 and the interest thereof.

From Project Gutenberg

Up, and this morning comes Mr. Clerke, and tells me that the Injunction against Trice is dismissed again, which troubles me much.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bit
• date
• flash
• hour
• juncture
• minute
• occasion
• point
• stage
• time