Necklace

Necklace

Noun · /ˈnek.lɪs/

Definition

A piece of jewellery worn around the neck, consisting of a chain, string of beads, or similar ornament; (Historical/Political) the necklacing practice in South Africa — placing a petrol-filled tyre around a person's neck and setting it alight — a form of mob execution.

Origin

Compound of neck + lace. Lace from Old French laz, from Latin laqueus (noose, snare), from lacere (to ensnare, allure). The neck-lace therefore being literally a neck-snare or neck-loop — the ornamental piece of jewellery named by analogy with the lace (loop or cord) that encircles the neck. The Latin laqueus also giving lasso (via Spanish lazo) and lace in the sense of decorative fabric (the interlaced threads). The word appearing in English from the 16th century.