a ‘mace’ = originally used as a weapon in the past, and these days, it refers to an ornamental rod/staff, often made of or covered with precious metals, which is carried or placed before an official, such as a King, noble man of position, head of a large institution, etc., in certain ceremonies as a sign of power or position; (these days) a ‘mace’ is a kind of pepper spray that is used by women to protect themselves from male attackers, and a kind of chemical/liquid used by the military that makes the eyes smart and the people vomit, used in time of riots