An archaic or dialectal term for a step or degree, particularly in religious or ceremonial contexts; also a variant spelling of 'grace' in very old texts.
From Old French 'grece' (step, degree), itself from Latin 'gradus' (step, grade). In very ancient texts it's sometimes a variant of 'grace', showing how spelling was fluid in medieval English.
Medieval writers were flexible with spelling—'grece' and 'grace' could be the same word depending on which scribe was writing and which dialect they spoke. It's a reminder that 'correct spelling' is actually a pretty modern invention!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.