alec

¹

[ al-ik ]

noun

, Obsolete.

1. a herring.
2. a sauce or relish made from small herring or anchovies.

alec

²

[ al-ik ]

noun

, Australian.

1. a simpleton or fool.

Alec

³

or Al·eck

[ al-ik ]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Alexander.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alec¹

1510–20; < Latin ( h ) al ( l ) ec fish sauce

Origin of alec²

1920–25; smart aleck ( def ); sense shift perhaps originally from ironic usage

Example Sentences

We know that Alec and Maurice, after both trying to blackmail each other, fall in love.

From Washington Blade

Following his father in his line of work, doesn’t appeal to Alec.

From Washington Blade

You’ll keep turning the page to discover how Alec and Maurice’s story ends.

From Washington Blade

Alec, in di Canzio’s reimagining, is a three-dimensional character with feelings, ambitions and a back story.

From Washington Blade

After signing on to the film, Moore enlisted the services of her 30 Rock costar Alec Baldwin to play her caring husband.

From The Daily Beast

It would be inaccurate though to call SIX a direct antidote to ALEC.

From The Daily Beast

As Rathod noted, SIX is not supposed to be merely the opposite of ALEC.

From The Daily Beast

Vincent Fort, a state senator from Georgia, saw big differences between ALEC and SIX.

From The Daily Beast

ALEC attracted corporations that saw an opportunity to push an agenda, regardless of ideology.

From The Daily Beast

For once in a way, Alec was nonplussed, and a deathly silence ensued.

From Project Gutenberg

She knew that Alec d'Urberville was still on the scene, observing her from some point or other, though she could not say where.

From Project Gutenberg

She felt but little surprise at seeing that Alec d'Urberville had come back, and was standing under the hedge by the gate.

From Project Gutenberg

Every cent he earned was spent in what his wife called “style,” and what Alec called “dog.”

From Project Gutenberg

Alec read the letter thoughtfully, and mentally pictured the story David would spin to the Baronet.

From Project Gutenberg