MACE

A large stafl', made of the precious metals, and highly ornamented. It is used as an emblem of author;ity, and carried before certain public functionaries by a macebearen In many legislative bodies,.the mace is employed as a visible symbol of the dignity and collective authority of the house. In the house of lords and house of commons of the British parliament, it is laid upon the table wheo the house is in se ion. In the United States house of representatives, it is borne upright by th'e sergeant-at-arms on extraordinary occasions, as when it is nece ary to quell a disturbance or bring refractory members to order. -Mace-bearer. In English law. One who carries the mace before certain functionaries. In Scotland, an officer attending the court of ee ion, and usually called a "macer."-Mace pro of. Secure against arrest.-Macer. A mace-bearer; an officer attending the court of se ion in Scotland. [s. 749]