According to the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, the verb 'to piece' means: 'to mend, make whole or complete by adding a piece or pieces; to patch.' The verb has also taken on a related meaning in the terms 'piecework' or 'pieced patchwork', which is a form of patchwork that is made by sewing together small, geometric shapes cut out of stiffish paper or card, which are covered in cloth.