An archaic or variant spelling of anise, referring to the plant or its seed used as a spice with a licorice-like flavor.
From Middle English and Old French, ultimately from Greek anison. This spelling variant was common in medieval and early modern English before standardizing to the modern 'anise.'
Medieval people loved anice so much that its seeds were used as currency and payment—spices were literally worth more than gold to people who had no refrigeration and bland winter diets.
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