Legal Definitions - mace

Definition: Mace is a type of weapon that was used in warfare. It consists of a long stick with a heavy metal head. It was also used as an emblem of the dignity of an office, such as in Parliament and the U.S. House of Representatives. In the House of Commons, it is laid on the table when the Speaker is in the chair. In the U.S. House of Representatives, it is usually placed to the right of the Speaker and is carried by the sergeant-at-arms on special occasions, such as when necessary to control a disturbance or bring refractory members to order. Additionally, mace can refer to a chemical liquid that can be sprayed in a person's face to cause dizziness and temporary immobilization.

Examples:

• The Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK carries a mace as a symbol of their authority.
• The sergeant-at-arms in the U.S. House of Representatives carries a mace on special occasions, such as when there is a disturbance in the chamber.
• A police officer may use mace to subdue a suspect who is resisting arrest.

The examples illustrate the different meanings of the term "mace." The first two examples show how mace can be used as a symbol of authority in government settings. The third example shows how mace can be used as a chemical spray to immobilize a person.