The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Palace \Pal"ace\ (p[a^]l"[asl]s; 48), n. [OE. palais, F. palais,
   fr. L. palatium, fr. Palatium, one of the seven hills of
   Rome, on which Augustus had his residence. Cf. Paladin.]
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   1. The residence of a sovereign, including the lodgings of
      high officers of state, and rooms for business, as well as
      halls for ceremony and reception. --Chaucer.
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   2. The official residence of a bishop or other distinguished
      personage.
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   3. Loosely, any unusually magnificent or stately house.
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   Palace car. See under Car.

   Palace court, a court having jurisdiction of personal
      actions arising within twelve miles of the palace at
      Whitehall. The court was abolished in 1849. [Eng.]
      --Mozley & W.
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