grâces

Grâces is a French term with several related uses and also the name of a place. It is the plural of grâce, a noun that in general French denotes favor, mercy, or elegance. In secular use, grâce can mean charm or ease of movement; in religious contexts, grâce is a divine gift—grace from God that is freely given. The expression actions de grâce denotes acts of thanksgiving, and rendre grâce is used to mean giving thanks, especially to God, in liturgical or devotional language.

As a place name, Grâces designates a commune in the Morbihan department in Brittany, northwestern France. The commune is part of the Brittany region and participates in local intercommunal governance.

Etymology: grâce derives from Latin gratia, meaning favor or goodwill, a root that also gave rise to the English word grace. The sense of a merciful or divine gift expanded over time to include notions of elegance, charm, and refinement in secular usage.