noun
historicalA coloured lace or silk ribbon worn at a wedding, typically distributed as a gift and often used to bind up a sprig of rosemary, etc.
It seems that such ribbons had a symbolic value and might be used in other contexts, as at the funeral of an unmarried woman.
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in William Patten (d. ?1598), author. From bride + lace.
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