Obs. exc. Hist. [f. BRIDE- = wedding.]
1. A piece of gold, silk, or other lace, used to bind up the sprigs of rosemary formerly worn at weddings; the earlier form of wedding favors.
1575. Laneham, Lett. (1871), 21. Euery wight with hiz blu buckeram bridelace vpon a braunch of green broom (cauz rozemary iz skant thear).
1599. Porter, Angry Wom. Abingt. (1841), 25. A nosegay bound with laces in his hat, Bridelaces, sir.
1622. Boys, Wks. (1630), 531. You are a kinde friend indeed to come in hither without your wedding apparell and bride-lace.
1663. Killigrew, Parson’s Wed., IV. ii. Do you give these favours? Are these your bride-laces?
2. pl. The striped ribbon-grass, or Lady’s Garters (Phalaris arundinacea var.).
