The word "trice" is spelled as t-r-i-c-e. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /traɪs/. The letter 't' makes a /t/ sound, while the letter 'r' makes a /r/ sound. The letter 'i' makes a long /aɪ/ sound, and the letter 'c' makes a /s/ sound. The silent letter 'e' at the end indicates a long vowel sound for the letter 'i'. "Trice" is commonly used to mean 'a very short period of time' and can be used in a sentence like "He'll be back in a trice."
Trice, as a noun, refers to a very short period of time or an instance that occurs quickly or suddenly. It commonly indicates a brief moment or a momentary action. The term can be applied to various contexts, from describing the swift completion of a task to the momentary pause of a conversation. For instance, one might say, "He fixed the broken pipe in a trice," implying that the repair was done rapidly and efficiently.
As a verb, "trice" means to hoist or pull something or someone very swiftly using ropes, cables, or other means of fastening. This action is often carried out with strength or forcefulness to achieve quick results. For example, a sailor might trice up a sail to quickly secure it in place as the wind strengthens.
The word "trice" is derived from the Middle English term "tryse" or "trise," which meant to pull or haul quickly. It originated from the Old English word "trinsan," meaning "to pull up." Over time, its meaning has expanded to encompass both a noun and verb form with similar connotations of speed and efficiency. The term is commonly found in literature and poetry, adding a touch of vividness and immediacy to the text.
• The time in which one can count three; an instant; a moment; within or in a trice, in a very short time.
• To hoist and bale up aloft; to haul up and secure by means of a small rope.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word trice has multiple origins and meanings. Here are two possible etymologies for the word:
1. Trice (noun): Meaning a very short time or moment, this word derives from the Middle Dutch word trise or trize. It entered English in the 16th century from Dutch or Low German dialects. It was initially associated with pulling or drawing swiftly, likely referring to fastening or tightening something by drawing it together quickly.
2. Trice (verb): This meaning of trice refers to pulling or hoisting something with a sudden or swift motion. Its origin can be traced back to Latin, where the word trahere meant to draw or to pull. The Latin verb was then adopted into Middle English as trisen around the 14th century, which eventually evolved to trice.