Main Entry: ¹piece

Pronunciation: \ˈpēs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *pettia, of Gaulish origin; akin to Welsh peth thing

Date: 13th century

1 : a part of a whole: as a : fragment <pieces of broken glass> b : any of the individual members comprising a unit —often used in combination <a five-piece band> <a three-piece suit> c : portion, allocation <a piece of the jackpot>
2 : an object or individual regarded as a unit of a kind or class <a piece of fruit>
3 : a usually unspecified distance <down the road a piece>
4 : a standard quantity (as of length, weight, or size) in which something is made or sold
5 : a literary, journalistic, artistic, dramatic, or musical composition
6 : firearm
7 : coin; also : token
8 : a movable object used in playing a board game; specifically : a chessman other than a pawn
9 : opinion, view <spoke his piece>
10 a usually vulgar : an act of copulation b usually vulgar : the female partner in sexual intercourse
11 : instance, example <silly piece of nonsense> <a nice piece of acting>

synonyms see part

— of a piece : alike, consistent

— piece of one's mind : a severe scolding : tongue-lashing

— piece of the action : a share in activity or profit

— to pieces 1 : without reserve or restraint : completely
2 : into fragments; also : into component parts
3 : out of control <went to pieces from shock>