a defect; a fault; an error; a blemish; an imperfection; as, the vices of a political constitution; the vices of a horse.-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.-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.-a kind of instrument for holding work, as in filing. same as vise.-a tool for drawing lead into cames, or flat grooved rods, for casements.-a gripe or grasp.-to hold or squeeze with a vice, or as if with a vice.-in the place of; in the stead; as, a. b. was appointed postmaster vice c. d. resigned.-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.