Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - grace

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks, from gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Sanskrit g??ati he praises  Date: 12th century  1.  a. unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification  b. a virtue coming from God  c. a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine ~  2.  a. approval, favor stayed in his good ~s  b. archaic mercy, pardon  c. a special favor ; privilege each in his place, by right, not ~, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling  d. disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency  e. a temporary exemption ; reprieve  3.  a. a charming or attractive trait or characteristic  b. a pleasing appearance or effect ; charm all the ~ of youth — John Buchan  c. ease and suppleness of movement or bearing  4. — used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop  5. a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks  6. plural, capitalized three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty  7. a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura  8.  a. sense of propriety or right had the ~ not to run for elective office — Calvin Trillin  b. the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful  Synonyms: see mercy  II. transitive verb  (~d; gracing)  Date: 1585  1. to confer dignity or honor on  2. adorn, embellish graveled walks ~d with statues — J. A. Michener