Real Dictionary

vice
countable noun: A vice is a habit which is regarded as a weakness in someone's character, but not usually as a serious fault.

vice in American English 1
an evil or wicked action, habit, or characteristic
noun: an immoral or evil habit or practice

vice in American English 2
in the place of; as the deputy or successor of

vice in American English 3
vise
preposition: instead of; in the place of

Vice in British English
noun: (in English morality plays) a character personifying a particular vice or vice in general

vice in British English 1
noun: an immoral, wicked, or evil habit, action, or trait

vice in British English 2
noun: an appliance for holding an object while work is done upon it, usually having a pair of jaws
verb: to grip (something) with or as if with a vice

vice in British English 3
adjective: serving in the place of or as a deputy for
noun: a person who serves as a deputy to another

vice in British English 4
preposition: instead of; as a substitute for

vice-
prefix: Vice- is used before a rank or title to indicate that someone is next in importance to the person who holds the rank or title mentioned.

vice- in American English
one who acts in the place of; subordinate; deputy
combining form: a combining form meaning “deputy,” used in the formation of compound words, usually titles of officials who serve in the absence of the official denoted by the base word