grice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Historical / ArchaicObsolete, Regional (Scottish/Northern English), Literary (historical contexts)
Quick answer
What does “grice” mean?
A now-archaic or dialectal word for a pig or young pig, a piglet. Also historically used to refer to a small, wild animal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A now-archaic or dialectal word for a pig or young pig, a piglet. Also historically used to refer to a small, wild animal.
In Scottish and Northern English dialects, it can refer to a young or small pig. In older English, used more generally for a young animal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is virtually unknown in modern American English. In British English, it survives only in historical, literary, or very specific regional (Scottish/Northern) contexts.
Connotations
Rural, agricultural, historical. No negative connotation beyond those associated with pigs.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in contemporary usage for both varieties. Slightly higher recognition in the UK due to historical literature and place names.
Grammar
How to Use “grice” in a Sentence
[to] raise a grice[a] grice [of a certain age]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer went to grice the sty. (archaic: to tend to pigs)
American English
- (No modern usage)
adverb
British English
- (No usage)
American English
- (No usage)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used. Potentially 'grice-like')
American English
- (No modern usage)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics, agricultural history, or textual analysis of older works.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern animal husbandry; replaced by 'piglet'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grice”
- Using it in modern conversation.
- Spelling it as 'grise' or 'greece'.
- Assuming it is a standard term for pig.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is archaic. It was a genuine word for a young pig, primarily used in Middle English and surviving in some dialects.
No. Using 'grice' in modern speech or writing would be confusing and marked as an error or an affectation. Always use 'piglet'.
To provide accurate historical linguistic data and to aid learners who might encounter it in older literature or specialised studies.
No, that is a surname. The surname 'Grice' likely originates from the occupational name for a swineherd or keeper of pigs (grice).
A now-archaic or dialectal word for a pig or young pig, a piglet. Also historically used to refer to a small, wild animal.
Grice is usually obsolete, regional (scottish/northern english), literary (historical contexts) in register.
Grice: in British English it is pronounced /ɡraɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡraɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in modern usage. Historically, could appear in proverbs about farming.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GRICE' as 'GReasy ICE' - a young pig might slip on ice because it's greasy.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for modern usage.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'grice'?