Definition of vice

• n. - A defect; a fault; an error; a blemish; an imperfection; as, the vices of a political constitution; the vices of a horse.
• n. - A moral fault or failing; especially, immoral conduct or habit, as in the indulgence of degrading appetites; customary deviation in a single respect, or in general, from a right standard, implying a defect of natural character, or the result of training and habits; a harmful custom; immorality; depravity; wickedness; as, a life of vice; the vice of intemperance.
• n. - The buffoon of the old English moralities, or moral dramas, having the name sometimes of one vice, sometimes of another, or of Vice itself; -- called also Iniquity.
• n. - A kind of instrument for holding work, as in filing. Same as Vise.
• n. - A tool for drawing lead into cames, or flat grooved rods, for casements.
• n. - A gripe or grasp.
• v. t. - To hold or squeeze with a vice, or as if with a vice.
• prep. - In the place of; in the stead; as, A. B. was appointed postmaster vice C. D. resigned.
• prep. - Denoting one who in certain cases may assume the office or duties of a superior; designating an officer or an office that is second in rank or authority; as, vice president; vice agent; vice consul, etc.