† eˈspice Obs.
[a. OF. espice (mod.F. épice in sense 2):—L. species: see species, spice.]
1. A species, kind. In 14–15th c. also spice.
| c 1386 Chaucer Pars. T. ¶374 The especes [v.r. espices] that sourden of pride. 1502 Ord. Crysten Men (W. de W. 1506) iv. vi. 181 The maners and dyuers espyces, the whiche may be in one self synne. |
2. An aromatic drug; now spice.
| 1483 Caxton Gold. Leg. 112/4 Yf all the espyces of the world had ben stamped to gydre it shold not haue smellyd so well. |