lacing
/ˈleɪsɪŋ/ · la·cing
noun
- The act or process of fastening or tightening with a cord, string, or lace. She admired the neat lacing of her new sneakers.
- A cord, string, or strip of material used for fastening, especially in shoes or garments. The lacing on the dress added a delicate decorative touch.
- The addition of a substance (such as a drug or alcohol) to a drink or food, often surreptitiously. The bartender was arrested for lacing the cocktails with an illegal stimulant.
verb
- To fasten or tighten with a cord, string, or lace; to bind together. He laced his boots before heading out into the snow.
- To interweave or intertwine strands or elements. The designer laced metallic threads through the fabric for a shimmering effect.
Did you know? In the 19th century, 'lacing' was a common euphemism for secretly adding alcohol or drugs to drinks, a practice that gave rise to the phrase 'spiked' in modern slang.