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n. 1. a. A groove cut in an object; a slot: the chase for the quarrel on a crossbow. b. A trench or channel for drainpipes or wiring. 2. The part of a gun in front of the trunnions. 3. The cavity of a mold. tr.v. chased, chas·ing, chas·es 1. To groove; indent. 2. To cut (the thread of a screw). 3. To decorate (metal) by engraving or embossing. [Possibly from obsolete French chas, groove, enclosure, from Old French, from Latin capsa, box. V., variant of ENCHASE.]  (click for a larger image) chase3floral chase motif on a lipstick case |
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