Obs. [a. OF. espice (mod.F. épice in sense 2):—L. species: see SPECIES, SPICE.]

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  1.  A species, kind. In 14–15th c. also SPICE.

2

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Parson’s T., ¶ 374. The especes [v.r. espices] that sourden of pride.

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1502.  Ord. Crysten Men (W. de W., 1506), IV. vi. 181. The maners and dyuers espyces, the which may be in one self synne.

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  2.  An aromatic drug; now SPICE.

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1483.  Caxton, Gold. Leg., 112/4. Yf all the espyces of the world had ben stamped to gydre it shold not haue smellyd so well.

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