mace
n. uncountablen. a strong spray that causes pain and tears in the eyes. You use it to protect yourself from an attacker.
n. a chemical irritant, typically containing chloroacetophenone or oleoresin capsicum, used as a non-lethal aerosol spray for self-defence or riot control.
She carries mace on her keychain for safety.
The security guard was forced to use mace to stop the intruder from entering the building.
* As an English surname, from the personal name Masse, probably shortened from Matthew. Compare Massey, Massett. * As a French and Breton surname, from Macé, vernacular form of Mathieu. Compare Maze. * Also as a French surname, from Macé in Orne, from Late Latin Macciacum, from the personal name Maccius. * Also as a French surname, variant of Massé; see Masse.