palace

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the governing group of a kingdom

   the palace issued an order binding on all subjects

2. 2
   noun

   A large and lavishly ornate residence.

   On Madame de Mercœur's arrival at the palace she found the carriage and guards in waiting, the Queen having decided that she would do her niece the honour of going to meet her.

3. 3
   verb

   To decorate or ornate.

   And this Great King was a far-way, tremendous, golden figure, moving in a splendor as of fairy tales; palaced marvelously, so travelers told, in cities compared with which even Athens seemed mean.

4. 4
   noun

   official residence of an exalted person (as a sovereign)

5. 5
   noun

   a large and stately mansion

6. 6
   noun

   a large ornate exhibition hall

7. 7
   noun

   Official residence of a head of state or other dignitary, especially in a monarchical or imperial governmental system.

8. 8
   noun

   A large, ornate public building used for entertainment or exhibitions.

Etymology

From Middle English paleys, from Old French palais, which comes from Latin palātium, from Palātium, in reference to the Palatine (Palatine Hill), one of the seven hills of Rome, where the aristocracy of the Roman Republic—and later, Roman emperors—built large, splendid residences. The name is ultimately either from Etruscan, the same source as Pales (“Pales, the Italic goddess of shepherds, flocks and livestock”), or Latin palus (“stake; enclosure”). Doublet of palazzo and Pfalz.