† ˈbride-lace Obs. exc. Hist.
[f. bride- = wedding.]
1. A piece of gold, silk, or other lace, used to bind up the sprigs of rosemary formerly worn at weddings; the earlier form of wedding favours.
| 1575 Laneham Let. (1871) 21 Euery wight with hiz blu buckeram bridelace vpon a braunch of green broom (cauz rozemary iz skant thear). 1599 Porter Angry Wom. Abingd. (1841) 25 A nosegay bound with laces in his hat, Bridelaces, sir. 1622 Boys Wks. (1630) 531 You are a kinde friend indeed to come in hither without your wedding apparell and bride-lace. 1663 Killigrew Parson's Wed. iv. ii, Do you give these favours? Are these your bride-laces? |
2. pl. The striped ribbon-grass, or Lady's Garters (Phalaris arundinacea var.).