Definition of grease

The origin of the word "grease" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "grēs". The Old English word "grēs" had multiple meanings, including "grease", "oil", and "fat". In Old English, the word "grēs" most commonly referred to animal fat or oil, such as that from the meat of livestock. This usage can still be seen in Modern English, where we use "grease" to describe the substance that lubricates various parts of a machine or vehicle. The word "grease" also had a secondary meaning in Old English, as a verb meaning "to smear or anoint with grease or oil". This usage is still present in Modern English, and we can see it in phrases like "grease someone's palm" or "grease the wheels" (meaning to bribe or facilitate a process). Overall, the Old English word "grēs" provides us with a rich and varied history for the modern word "grease". Its multiple meanings and uses suggest that the concept of grease has been an important part of human culture for centuries, from the practical use of animal fats as lubricants and oils, to the more fluid and abstract meanings associated with greasing the wheels of society.