1. Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion.
2. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.
3. A sense of fitness or propriety.
4. 1. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.
   2. Mercy; clemency.
5. A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.
6. A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve.
7. Graces Greek & Roman Mythology. Three sister goddesses, known in Greek mythology as Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia, who dispense charm and beauty.
8. 1. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.
   2. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.
   3. An excellence or power granted by God.
9. A short prayer of blessing or thanksgiving said before or after a meal.
10. Grace Used with His, Her, or Your as a title and form of address for a duke, duchess, or archbishop.
11. Music. An appoggiatura, trill, or other musical ornanment in the music of 16th and 17th century England.

1. To honor or favor: You grace our table with your presence.
2. To give beauty, elegance, or charm to.
3. Music. To embellish with grace notes.

in the bad graces of

1. Out of favor with.

1. In favor with.

1. In a grudging manner.

1. In a willing manner.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin grātia, from grātus, pleasing.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.