Ace (&?;), n.; pl. Aces (&?;). [OE. as, F. as, fr. L. as, assis, unity, copper coin, the unit of coinage. Cf. As.]
1.
A unit; a single point or spot on a card or die; the card or die so marked; as, the ace of diamonds.
2.
Hence: A very small quantity or degree; a particle; an atom; a jot.
I 'll not wag an ace further.
Dryden.
To bate an ace, to make the least abatement. [Obs.] --
Within an ace of, very near; on the point of. W. Irving.
© Webster 1913
Ace, n.
A single point won by a stroke, as in handball, rackets, etc.; in tennis, frequently, a point won by a service stroke.
© Webster 1913