Definition of mace

The word "mace" originates from the Middle English word "mace," which in turn derives from the Old French word "mais" meaning "staff" or "cane." However, in medieval times, the term "mace" specifically referred to a type of military weapon used in combat. The mace was a hefty, spiked hammer attached to a long handle, designed to deliver crushing blows to an opponent's armor or unprotected body parts. The popularity of the mace as a weapon decreased after the development of firearms and more sophisticated combat tactics. Today, the term "mace" is more commonly associated with a self-defense tool, which was originally introduced in the 1960s as an alternative to traditional pepper sprays. Modern mace comprises a small aerosol canister that delivers a dense, irritating cloud of chemical spray, making it an effective tool for personal protection against attackers.