pace

pace · noun, adjective, verb¹

1. Latin · derived frompassus
2. Old French · derived frompas
3. Anglo-Norman · derived frompas
4. Middle English · inherited frompase
5. English todaypace

From Middle English pase, from Anglo-Norman pas, Old French pas, and their source, Latin passus. Doublet of pas and fathom; compare also pass. Cognate with pass, Spanish pasear, paso.

pace · preposition²

1. Latin · borrowed frompāce“in peace”
2. English todaypace

From Latin pāce (“in peace”), ablative form of pāx (“peace”).

pace · noun³

Alteration of archaic Pasch.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from 14th c. A step taken with the foot.
• from 14th c. The distance covered in a step (or sometimes two), either vaguely or according to various specific set measurements.
• from 14th c. A manner of walking, running or dancing; the rate or style of how someone moves with their feet.
• from 15th c. Any of various gaits of a horse, specifically a 2-beat, lateral gait.
• from 15th c. Speed or velocity in general.
• from 19th c. A measure of the hardness of a pitch and of the tendency of a cricket ball to maintain its speed after bouncing.
• 14th–18th c. One's journey or route.
• 14th–17th c. A passage through difficult terrain; a mountain pass or route vulnerable to ambush etc.