MACE

A large staff, made of the precious metals, and highly ornamented. It is used as an emblem of authority, and carried before certain public functionaries by a mace bearer. In many legislative bodies, the mace is employed as a visible symbol of the dignity and collective authority of the house. In the house of lords and house of commons of the British parliament, it is laid upon the table when the house is in session. In the United States house of representatives, it is borne upright by the sergeant at arms on extraordinary occasions, as when it is necessary to quell a disturbance or bring refractory members to order. Mace bearer. In English law. One who carries the mace before certain functionaries. In Scotland, an officer attending the court of session, and usually called a “macer.”Mace proof. Secure against arrest.Macer. A mace bearer; an officer attending the court of session in Scotland.