Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary 1908/M Manufacture
fāte, fär; mē, hėr; mīne; mōte; mūte; mōōn; then.
the thirteenth letter of the alphabet, belonging to the labio-nasal class of consonants. M=1000; M=1,000,000.—M-roof, a roof formed by the junction of two common roofs, so that its end is like the letter M.
Ma, mä, n. a childish contraction for mamma.
Ma′am, mäm, n. a colloquial contraction of madam—vulgarly Marm, Mum.
Mab, mab, n. the name of a female fairy: the queen of the fairies—hence any fairy. [W. mab, child.]
Mab, mab, v.t. and v.i. (prov.) to dress untidily.
Mabinogion, mab-i-nō′ji-on, n. a collection of four Arthurian romances, embodied in the 12th century, embraced with seven other prose tales in the Red Book, or Hergest, a Welsh MS. of the 14th century—the whole published and translated by Lady Charlotte Guest in 1838. [W., 'children's tales.']
Mac, mak, a prefix in Scotch names, meaning son (of). [Gael. and Ir. mac, son; W. map, mab, also ap, ab.]
Macaberesque, ma-kā-bėr-esk′, adj. pertaining to, or like, the Dance of Death. [Fr. La Danse Macabre, Low L. Machabæorum chorea, the dance of the Maccabees, prob. because the seven brothers whose martyrdom is recorded in the 7th chapter of the 2d Book of Maccabees played an important part in the earliest form of the 14th-cent. drama on the subject.]
Macadamise, mak-ad′am-īz, v.t. to cover, as a road, with small broken stones, so as to form a smooth, hard surface.—ns. Macad′am, macadamised pavement; Macadamisā′tion. [From John Loudon Macadam (1756-1836).]
Macaque, ma-kak′, n. a monkey of genus Macacus, between baboons and the African mangabeys.
Macarise, mak′a-rīz, v.t. to bless, pronounce happy.—adj. Macā′rian, blessed.—n. Mac′arism, a beatitude. [Gr. makar, happy.]
Macaroni, mak-a-rō′ni, n. a kind of paste or dough prepared from the glutinous granular flour of hard varieties of wheat, pressed out through a perforated vessel into long tubes, and then dried: a medley: something fanciful and extravagant: a fool: a fop:—pl. Macarō′nis, Macarō′nies.—n. Macaron′ic, a confused heap, a medley: a macaronic poem.—adjs. Macaron′ic, Macarō′nian, like a macaroni, trifling, affected: of a kind of burlesque verse, consisting of modern words Latinised, or Latin words modernised, intermixed with genuine Latin words. [Old It. maccaroni—maccare, to crush.]
Macaroon, mak-a-rōōn′, n. a sweet biscuit made chiefly of almonds and sugar. [Fr.,—It. maccaroni above.]
Macassar-oil, ma-kas′ar-oil, n. an oil much used for the hair, imported from India and other Eastern countries. [From Macassar in Celebes.]
Macaw, ma-kaw′, n. a genus of large and beautiful birds with a long tail, found in tropical America, closely allied to the parrots. [Brazil. macao.]
Maccabean, mak-a-bē′an, adj. pertaining to Judas Maccabeus, or to the Maccabees, an ancient Jewish family who rescued Judea from the persecutions of Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria, about 166 B.C.—as related in two historical books of the Apocrypha.
Mace, mās, n. a staff used as a mark of authority: a light, flat-headed stick in use at billiards before the introduction of the bridge or cue-rest: formerly, a weapon of war, consisting of a staff headed with a heavy spiked ball of iron: a mallet used by a currier in dressing leather.—n. Mace′-bear′er, one who carries the mace in a procession, or before men in authority—also Mac′er. [O. Fr. mace (Fr. masse)—obs. L. matea, whence L. dim. mateola, a mallet.]
Mace, mās, n. a kind of spice: the second coat of the nutmeg. [O. Fr. macis—L. macer—Gr. maker.]
Macerate, mas′ėr-āt, v.t. to steep: to soften by steeping: to make lean: to mortify.—n. Macerā′tion, act of softening by steeping: mortification of the flesh by fasting and other severe modes of living. [L. macerāre, -ātum, to steep.]
Machete, ma-chā′tā, n. a heavy knife or cutlass used by the Cubans, &c. [Sp.]
Machiavellian, mak-i-a-vēl′yan, adj. destitute of political morality, following expediency rather than right: cunning, crafty, perfidious.—n. one who imitates Machiavel—more correctly, Niccolo Machiavelli—of Florence (1469-1527): any cunning and unprincipled statesman.—n. Machiavell′ianism, the principles taught by Machiavel, or conduct regulated by them: cunning statesmanship.
Machicolation, mach-i-ko-lā′shun, n. (archit.) a projecting parapet or gallery with openings for pouring molten substances upon an attacking force below: the construction or use of such means of defence.—adj. Machic′olated. [Fr. mâchicoulis, from mâche, mash, coulis, a flowing—L. colāre, to filter.]
Machinate, mak′i-nāt, v.t. to contrive skilfully: to form a plot or scheme, esp. for doing harm.—ns. Machinā′tion, act of machinating or contriving a scheme for carrying out some purpose, esp. an evil one: an artful design or plot: Mach′inator, one who machinates. [L. machināri, -ātus—machĭna.]
Machine, ma-shēn′, n. any artificial means or contrivance: any instrument for the conversion of motion: an engine: a coach or conveyance of any kind: one who can do only what he is told: a contrivance in the ancient Greek theatre for indicating a change of scene, by means of which a god might cross the stage or deliver a divine message—whence the expression Deus ex machĭna for a sudden interposition of Providence: any literary contrivance for the development of a plot: supernatural agency in a poem.—v.t. to use machinery for, esp. to print or sew by such: to make by means of machinery.—ns. Machine′-gun, a gun firing a great many shots one after the other, sometimes as many as 1000 per minute; Machine′-man, a man who manages the working of a machine, esp. in a printing-office; Machin′ery, machines in general: the working parts of a machine: combined means for keeping anything in action, or for producing a desired result; Machine′-shop, a workshop where machines are made; Machine′-tool, an adjustable machine for doing work with cutting-tools, or one utilising minor tools, as a planing-, drilling-machine, &c.; Machine′-work, work done by a machine; Machin′ist, a constructor of machines: one well versed in machinery: one who works a machine. [Fr.,—L. machĭna—Gr. mēchanē, akin to mēch-os, contrivance.]
Mack′erel, mak′ėr-el, n. a food fish, dark blue, with wavy cross-streaks above, and silvery below.—n. Mack′erel-sky, a sky with clouds broken into long, thin, white, parallel masses. [O. Fr. makerel (Fr. maquereau), prob. from L. macula, a spot.]
Mackintosh, mak′in-tosh, n. a waterproof overcoat. [From Charles Mackintosh (1766-1843), the inventor.]
Mackle, mak′l, n. a spot or blemish in printing, by a double impression, wrinkling, &c.—v.t. to spot, blur.
Macle, mak′l, n. a kind of twin crystal: a kind of cross-stone or hollow-spar, called also Chiastolite, having the axis and angles of its crystals coloured differently from the rest.—adj. Mac′led, spotted. [Through Fr., from L. macula, spot.]
Macmillanite, mak-mil′an-īt, n. an old name for a member of the Scottish sect of Cameronians or Reformed Presbyterians. [From John Macmillan, (1670-1753), the first ordained minister who associated himself with the 'suffering remnant.']
Macramé, mak-ra-mā′, n. a fringe or trimming of knotted thread—also knotted bar-work. [It.]
Macrobiotic, mak-rō-bi-ot′ik, adj. long-lived.—ns. Macrobiō′sis, long life; Macrō′biote, one who lives long; Macrobiot′ics, the study of longevity.
Macrocephalous, mak-ro-sef′a-lus, adj. having a large or long head.—Also Macrocephal′ic. [Gr. makros, long or great, kephalē, a head.]
Macrocosm, mak′ro-kozm, n. the great world: the whole universe:—opp. to Microcosm.—adj. Macrocos′mic. [Gr. makros, long, kosmos, world.]
Macrodactyl, mak-ro-dak′til, adj. having long toes.—n. a wading-bird having such:—pl. Macrodac′tylī, and -a. [Gr. makros, long, daktylos, finger.]
Macrology, mak-rol′o-ji, n. much talk with little to say. [Gr. makros, long, logos, a word.]
Macron, mak′ron, n. a straight line placed over a vowel to show that it is long:—opp. to Breve, the mark of a short vowel. [Gr., 'long.']
Macropod, mak′ro-pod, adj. having long feet.—n. a long-legged or long-footed animal: one of the spider-crabs.—adjs. Macrop′odal, Macrop′odan, Macropō′dian, Macrop′odous (bot.). [Gr. makros, long, pous, podos, a foot.]
Macropterous, mak-rop′te-rus, adj. long-winged. [Gr. makros, long, pteron, a wing.]
Macroscian, mak-ros′i-an, adj. casting a long shadow.—n. an inhabitant of the Arctic or Antarctic zones. [Gr. makros, long, skia, shadow.]
Macroscopic, mak-ro-skop′ik, adj. visible to the naked eye:—opp. to Microscopic.—adv. Macroscop′ically. [Gr. makros, long, skopein, to see.]
Macrospore, mak′ro-spōr, n. a more than usually large spore of a flowerless plant, as in club-mosses, &c.—n. Macrosporan′gium, a sporangium containing macrospores. [Gr. makros, long, spora, a seed.]
Macrurous, mak-rōō′rus, adj. long-tailed.—Also Macru′ral. [Gr. makros, long, oura, tail.]
Macula, mak′ū-la, n. a spot, as on the skin, or on the surface of the sun, moon, or planets:—pl. Maculæ (mak′ū-lē).—v.t. Mac′ulāte, to spot, to defile.—n. Maculā′tion, act of spotting, a spot.—adj. Maculose (mak′ū-lōz), spotted. [L. maculāre, -ātum—macula, a spot.]
Mad, mad, adj. (comp. Mad′der; superl. Mad′dest) disordered in intellect: insane: proceeding from madness, rabid: troubled in mind: excited with any violent passion or appetite: furious with anger.—v.t. (Shak.) to drive mad.—adjs. Mad′brain, Mad′brained (Shak.), disordered in brain or mind: rash: hot-headed; Mad′-bred (Shak.), bred in madness or heat of passion.—n. Mad′cap, a person who acts madly: a wild, rash, hot-headed person.—adj. fond of wild and reckless action.—v.t. Mad′den, to make mad: to enrage.—v.i. to become mad: to act as one mad.—adj. Mad′ding, distracted, acting madly.—advs. Mad′dingly, Mad′ly.—ns. Mad′-doc′tor, a doctor who studies and treats the diseases of mad people; Mad′house, a house for mad persons: a lunatic asylum; Mad′ling, a mad person; Mad′man, a man who is mad: a maniac; Mad′ness; Mad′wort, a plant believed to cure canine madness.—Go mad, to become demented; Like mad, madly, furiously. [A.S. ge-mǽd; Old Sax. ge-méd, foolish, Ice. meidd-r, hurt.]
Madam, mad′am, n. a courteous form of address to a lady, esp. an elderly or a married one: a woman of fashion:—pl. Mad′ams, or Mesdames (mā-dam′). [Fr.,—ma, my, dame, lady—L. mea domina.]
Mad-apple, mad′-ap-l, n. the egg-plant.
Madarosis, mad-a-rō′sis, n. loss of the hair, esp. of the eyelashes. [Gr.,—madaros, bald, madan, to fall off.]
Madder, mad′ėr, n. a plant whose root affords a red dye.—ns. Madd′er-lake, a colour mixed either with oil or water, made from madder; Madd′er-wort, any plant of the Rubiaceæ or madder family. [A.S. mæderu; Ice. maðra, Dut. meed.]
Made, mād, pa.t. and pa.p. of make.—Made continually (Pr. Bk.), established for ever; Made dish, a dish of meat, &c., recooked: an entrée; Made up, put together, finished: dressed for a part, disguised: perfect: artificial, invented.
Madeira, ma-dē′ra, n. a rich wine of the sherry class produced in Madeira.
Mademoiselle, mad-mwa-zel′, n. a courteous form of address to a young lady: Miss. [Fr., ma, my, and demoiselle.]
Madge, maj, n. a leaden hammer.
Madge, maj, n. the magpie.
Madia, mā′di-a, n. a genus of American herbs of the aster family, the tarweeds—a Chilian species yielding a valuable oil.
Madid, mad′id, adj. wet, dank. [L. madidus—madēre, to be wet; akin to Gr. madaein.]
Madonna, Madona, ma-don′a, n. a name given to the Virgin, esp. as seen in works of art: (Shak.) my lady.—adv. Madonn′a-wise, after the fashion of the Madonna, esp. in the arrangement of a woman's hair. [It., lit. 'my lady'—L. mea domina.]
Madras, ma-dras′, n. a large handkerchief of silk and cotton, usually in bright colours, worn on the head by West Indian negroes.
Madrepore, mad′re-pōr, n. the common coral. [Fr.,—It., from madre, mother—L. mater, and -pora—Gr. pōros, a soft stone.]
Madrigal, mad′ri-gal, n. (mus.) a piece of music for the voice in five or six parts: a short poem expressing a graceful and tender thought.—adj. Madrigā′lian.—n. Mad′rigalist. [It., from mandra, a sheep-fold—L. mandra.]
Madroño, ma-drō′nyō, n. a handsome evergreen tree of North California.—Also Madrō′ña.
Mæcenas, mā-sē′nas, n. a Roman knight who befriended the poets Virgil and Horace: any rich patron of art or literature.
Maelstrom, māl′strom, n. a celebrated whirlpool off the coast of Norway: any resistless overpowering influence for destruction. [Norw., 'grinding stream.']
Mænad, mē′nad, n. a female follower of Bacchus, a woman beside herself with frenzy.—adj. Mænad′ic, bacchanalian: furious. [Gr. mainas, -ados, raving—mainesthai, to be mad.]
Maestoso, mā-es-tō′zo, adj. and adv. (mus.) with dignity or majesty. [It.]
Maestro, ma-es′trō, n. a master, esp. an eminent musical composer or conductor. [It.]
Maffled, maf′ld, adj. (prov.) confused in the intellect.—n. Maff′ling, a simpleton.
Mag, mag, n. a halfpenny.—Also Maik, Make.
Mag, mag, v.i. (prov.) to chatter.—v.t. to tease.—n. chatter: the magpie: the long-tailed titmouse.
Mag, mag, v.t. (slang) to steal.—n. Mags′man, a street swindler.
Magazine, mag-a-zēn′, n. a storehouse: a place for military stores: the gunpowder-room in a ship: a pamphlet or small book published from time to time, containing compositions on various subjects.—ns. Magazine′-gun, or -rī′fle, a gun or rifle from which many shots can be fired one after another without reloading. [Fr. magasin—It. magazzino—Ar. makhzan, a storehouse.]
Magdalen, mag′da-len, n. a repentant prostitute.—Also Mag′dalene. [From Mary Magdalene (Luke, viii. 2), confused with the woman of Luke vii. 37-50.]
Magdeburg hemispheres, mag′de-bōōrg hem′i-sfērz, n.pl. two hemispherical cups from within which, when placed together, the air can be removed by an air-pump to show the pressure of the air on the outside. [Invented at Magdeburg in Germany.]
Mage, māj, n. a magician, enchanter (see Magi).
Magenta, ma-jen′ta, n. a colour between pink and red. [From the battle of Magenta in North Italy, 1859.]
Maggot, mag′ut, n. a worm or grub: a whim.—adj. Magg′oty, full of maggots. [W. maceiad, akin to magiaid, worms, magu, to breed.]
Magi, mā′jī, n.pl. priests of the ancient Persians: the Wise Men of the East.—adj. Mā′gian, pertaining to the Magi.—n. one of the Magi.—ns. Mā′gianism, or Mā′gism, the philosophy or doctrines of the Magi. [L.,—Gr. magos, orig. a title given to the wise men of Chaldea, astrologers and wizards.]
Magic, maj′ik, n. the pretended art of producing marvellous results by the aid of spirits, or of the secret forces of nature: enchantment: sorcery.—adjs. Mag′ic, -al, pertaining to, used in, or done by magic: causing wonderful or startling results.—adv. Mag′ically.—ns. Magic′ian, one skilled in magic: a wizard: an enchanter; Mag′ic-lan′tern (see Lantern).—Magic square, a square filled with rows of figures so arranged that the sums of all the rows will be the same, perpendicularly or horizontally—as 2, 7, 6; 9, 5, 1; 4, 3, 8, &c.; there are also Magic circles, cubes, cylinders, and spheres similarly arranged.—Black magic, the black art, magic by means of union with evil spirits; Natural magic, the art of working wonders by a superior knowledge of the powers of nature; White magic, magic without the aid of the devil. [O. Fr. magique—L.,—Gr. See Magi.]
Magilp, ma-gilp′, n. a vehicle used by oil-painters, consisting of linseed-oil and mastic varnish—written also Megilp′. [Prob. from a proper name.]
Magisterial, maj-is-tē′ri-al, adj. pertaining or suitable to a master: in the manner of a master: of the rank of a magistrate: authoritative: proud: dignified.—n. Magis′ter, master.—adv. Magistē′rially.—ns. Magistē′rialness; Magistē′rium, an authoritative statement; Mag′istery, a term in alchemy for various preparations, esp. a precipitate of bismuth: any sovereign remedy: a mandate. [L. magisterius—magister, a master—mag, root of L. magnus, great.]
Magistrate, maj′is-trāt, n. a person entrusted with the power of putting the laws in force: a justice of the peace.—n. Mag′istracy, the office or dignity of a magistrate: the body of magistrates.—adj. Mag′istral, magisterial: specially prescribed or made up, as a medicine: effectual.—n. (fort.) the guiding line determining the other positions: a special preacher in Spanish cathedrals, &c.—n. Magistrand′, an arts student ready to proceed to graduation, at Aberdeen.—adj. Magistrat′ic. [O. Fr.,—L. magistratus, magister.]
Magma, mag′ma, n. any soft doughy mass: the molten mass within the earth's crust: the residuum after expressing the juice from fruits. [Gr.]
Magna Charta, mag′na kär′ta, n. the Great Charter obtained from King John, 1215 A.D. [L.]
Magnanerie, man-yan′e-rē, n. a place for rearing silkworms. [Fr.]
Magnanimity, mag-na-nim′i-ti, n. greatness of soul: elevation of dignity, of mind: that quality of mind which raises a person above all that is mean of unjust: generosity.—adj. Magnan′imous, elevated in sentiment, noble: brave: unselfish.—adv. Magnan′imously. [L. magnanimitas—magnus, great, animus, the mind.]
Magnate, mag′nāt, n. a noble: a man of rank or wealth. [Fr. magnat, a title of Hungarian and Polish nobles—L. magnas, magnatis, a prince—magnus, great.]
Magnes, mag′nēz, n. (Spens.) the magnet. [L.]
Magnesium, mag-nē′shi-um, or -si-um, n. a metal of a bright, silver-white colour, which while burning gives a dazzling white light, and forms magnesia.—n. Magnē′sia, a light white powder, got by burning magnesium, used as a medicine.—adj. Magnē′sian, belonging to, containing, or resembling magnesia.—n. Mag′nesite, native magnesium carbonate.
Magnet, mag′net, n. the lodestone, an iron ore which attracts iron, and, when hung so that it can move freely, points to the poles: a bar or piece of steel to which the properties of the lodestone have been imparted.—adjs. Magnet′ic, -al, pertaining to the magnet: having the properties of the magnet: attractive.—adv. Magnet′ically.—ns. Magnetic′ian, Mag′netist, one versed in magnetism.—adj. Magnetis′able.—n. Magnetisā′tion.—v.t. Mag′netise, to render magnetic: to attract as if by a magnet.—v.i. to become magnetic.—ns. Mag′netiser, one who, or that which, imparts magnetism; Mag′netism, the cause of the attractive power of the magnet: attraction: the science which treats of the properties of the magnet—(Animal magnetism, Mesmer's name for the phenomena of mesmerism; Terrestrial magnetism, the magnetic properties possessed by the earth as a whole); Mag′netist, one skilled in magnetism.—adjs. Mag′neto-elec′tric, -al, pertaining to magneto-electricity.—ns. Mag′neto-electric′ity, electricity produced by the action of magnets: the science which treats of electricity produced by magnetism; Bar′-mag′net, a magnet in the form of a bar.—Magnetic battery, several magnets placed with their like poles together, so as to act with great force; Magnetic curves, the curves formed by iron-filings around the poles of a magnet; Magnetic equator, the line round the earth where the magnetic needle remains horizontal; Magnetic field, the space over which magnetic force is felt; Magnetic fluid, a hypothetical fluid assumed to explain the phenomena of magnetism; Magnetic meridian, the meridian lying in the direction in which the magnetic needle points; Magnetic needle, the light bar in the mariner's compass which, because it is magnetised, points always to the north; Magnetic north, that point of the horizon which is indicated by the direction of the magnetic needle; Magnetic poles, two nearly opposite points on the earth's surface, where the dip of the needle is 90°; Magnetic storm, a disturbance in the magnetism of the earth or air, which causes the magnetic needle to move rapidly backwards and forwards.—Artificial magnet, a magnet made by rubbing with other magnets; Horse-shoe magnet, a magnet bent like a horse-shoe; Permanent magnet, a magnet that keeps its magnetism after the force which magnetised it has been removed. [Through O. Fr., from L. magnes, a magnet—Gr. magnēs=Magnesian stone, from Magnēsia, in Lydia or Thessaly.]
Magnificat, mag-nif′i-kat, n. the song of the Virgin Mary, Luke, i. 46-55, beginning in the Vulgate with this word. [L. '(my soul) doth magnify,' 3d pers. sing. pres. ind. of magnificāre.]
Magnificent, mag-nif′i-sent, adj. great in deeds or in appearance: grand: noble: pompous: displaying greatness of size or extent.—n. Magnif′icence.—adv. Magnif′icently.—n. Magnif′ico (Shak.), a title for a Venetian nobleman: a grandee.
Magnify, mag′ni-fī, v.t. to make great or greater: to enlarge: to cause to appear greater: to exaggerate: to praise highly:—pa.p. mag′nified.—adjs. Mag′nifiable, that may be magnified; Magnif′ic, -al, great: splendid: noble.—adv. Magnif′ically, in a magnificent manner.—ns. Magnificā′tion, act of magnifying: increase of visual power in penetration as well as enlargement; Mag′nifier, one who, or that which, magnifies or enlarges: one who extols.—Magnify one's self, show great pride—against, oppose with pride; Magnifying glass, in optics, a convex lens, objects seen through it having their apparent dimensions increased. [Fr.,—L. magnificāre—magnus, great, facĕre, to make.]
Magniloquent, mag-nil′o-kwent, adj. speaking in a grand or pompous style: bombastic.—n. Magnil′oquence.—adv. Magnil′oquently. [L., from magnus, great, loqui, to speak.]
Magnitude, mag′ni-tūd, n. greatness: size: extent: importance. [L. magnitudo—magnus.]
Magnolia, mag-nōl′i-a, or -ya, n. a North American tree with beautiful foliage, and large, white or purplish, sweet-scented flowers. [From Pierre Magnol (1638-1715), a Montpellier botanist.]
Magnum, mag′num, n. a bottle holding two quarts: the quantity of wine filling such. [L.]
Magot, mag′ot, n. the Barbary ape, the only species of monkey existing in Europe: a small grotesque figure, crouching on the covers of vases; &c.
Magpie, mag′pī, n. a chattering bird, of a genus allied to the crow, with pied or coloured feathers: (slang) a halfpenny—(Shak.) Mag′ot-pie, Magg′ot-pie. [Mag, a familiar contr. of Margaret (cf. Robin-Redbreast, Jenny Wren), pie, from L. pica, a magpie—pingĕre, pictum, to paint.]
Magyar, ma-jär′, or mag′yär, n. one of the prevailing race in Hungary: the native speech of Hungary.
Mahabharata, ma-hä-bä′ra-tä, n. the name of one of the two great epic poems of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana. [Sans.; prob. 'the great history of the descendants of Bharata.']
Mahadeva, ma-ha-dā′va, n. one of the names of the Hindu god Siva. [Sans. mahā, great, deva, god.]
Maharajah, ma-ha-rä′jä, n. the title given to a great Indian prince:—fem. Mahara′ni, Mahara′nee. [Sans. mahā, great, rāja, prince or king.]
Mahatma, ma-hat′ma, n. one skilled in mysteries or religious secrets: an adept. [Sans., 'high-souled.']
Mahdi, mä′dē, n. the great leader of the faithful Mohammedans, who is to appear in the last days—one pretended Mahdi overthrew the Egyptian power in the Soudan in 1884-85.—ns. Mah′dism; Mah′dist.
Mahl-stick, mäl′-stik, n. a tapering staff used by painters as a rest for the right hand.—Also Mal′stick, Maul′stick. [Ger. mahlstock.]
Mahogany, ma-hog′a-ni, n. a tree of tropical America: its wood, which is of great value for making furniture.—n. Mahog′any-tree, same as mahogany: (hum.) the dinner-table. [Mahogoni, the native South American name.]
Mahomedan, Mahometan. See Mohammedan.
Mahoun, Mahound, ma-hown′, ma-hownd′, or mä′-, n. an old form of the name of Mohammed: an evil spirit: the devil.
Mahout, ma-hōōt′, n. the keeper and driver of an elephant. [Hind. mahāut, mahāwat.]
Mahratta, ma-rat′a, n. one of a once powerful race of Hindus in Western and Central India.
Maid, mād, n. an unmarried woman, esp. one young: a virgin: a female servant.—ns. Maid′-child (B.), a female child; Maid′-Mā′rian, the May-queen; a character in the old Morris-dance, usually represented by a man in woman's clothes (Marian, relating to Mary or to the Virgin Mary).—adj. Maid′-pale (Shak.), pale, like a sick girl.—n. Maid′servant, a female servant.—Maid of all work, a domestic who does general housework; Old maid, a woman left unmarried: a card game. [A.S. mægden—mægeð, a maid; cf. magu, son, mǽg, may.]
Maidan, mī′dan, n. an esplanade or parade-ground near a town in Persia and India. [Pers.]
Maiden, mād′n, n. a maid: in Scotland, a machine like the guillotine, formerly used for beheading criminals.—adj. pertaining to a virgin or young woman: consisting of maidens: (fig.) unpolluted: fresh: new: unused: first: that has never been captured, said of a fortress.—ns. Maid′enhair, a name given to a fern from the fine hair-like stalks of its fronds; Maid′enhood, Maid′enhead, the state of being a maid: virginity: purity: freshness; Maid′enliness.—adjs. Maid′enly, maiden-like: becoming a maiden: gentle: modest; Maid′en-meek (Tenn.), meek as a maiden; Maid′en-tongued, gentle in voice like a girl; Maid′en-wid′owed, widowed while still a virgin.—n. Maid′hood (Shak.).—Maiden assize, an assize at which there are no criminal cases; Maiden battle, a first contest; Maiden fortress, a fortress that has never been captured; Maiden name, the family name of a married woman before her marriage; Maiden over, in cricket, an over in which no runs are made; Maiden speech, the first public speech made by a person, esp. in Parliament; Maiden stakes, in horse-racing, the money contended for in a race between horses that have never run before.
Maieutic, mā-ū′tik, adj. helping childbirth.—n. midwifery. [Gr.]
Maigre, mā′gėr, adj. made neither from flesh-meat nor from gravy: belonging to a fast-day or to a fast.—Maigre food, food allowed to be eaten on fast-days. [Fr. maigre, lean—L. macer.]
Mail, māl, n. defensive armour for the body formed of steel rings or network: armour generally.—v.t. to clothe in mail: (Scot.) to stain.—adjs. Mail′-clad, clad with a coat of mail; Mailed, protected by mail. [Fr. maille—L. macula, a spot or a mesh.]
Mail, māl, n. a bag for the conveyance of letters, &c.: the contents of such a bag: the person or the carriage by which the mail is conveyed.—v.t. to put into the mail: to send by mail.—adj. Mail′able, capable of being sent by mail.—ns. Mail′-bag, a bag in which letters are carried; Mail′-boat, a boat which carries the public mails; Mail′-cart, a cart in which mails are carried: a small cart, with long handles, for the amusement of children; Mail′-catch′er, an apparatus attached to a mail-carriage to catch up mail-bags while the train is in motion; Mail′-coach, -car, or -drag, the conveyance which carries the public mails; Mail′-guard, an officer who guards the public mails; Mail′ing-tā′ble, a table used in a post-office in sorting letters; Mail′-train, a railway train which carries the public mails. [O. Fr. male, a trunk, a mail—Old High Ger. malaha, a sack; Gael. mala, a sack.]
Mail, māl, n. an old French coin—half a denier: rent.—n. Mail′ing, a farm. [See Blackmail.]
Maim, mām, n. a bruise: an injury: a lameness: the loss of any essential part.—v.t. to bruise: to disfigure: to injure: to lame or cripple: to render defective.—n. Maim′edness, the state of being maimed or injured. [O. Fr. mehaing, a bruise.]
Main, mān, n. might: strength. [A.S. mægen.]
Main, mān, adj. chief, principal: first in importance: leading.—n. the chief or principal part: the ocean or main sea: a continent or a larger island as compared with a smaller: a principal gas or water pipe in a street, or the largest conductor in a system of electric lights.—ns. Main′boom, the spar which extends the foot of a fore-and-aft mainsail; Main′deck, the principal deck of a ship—so in Main′brace, the brace attached to the mainyard (see Splice); Main′land, the principal or larger land, as opposed to a smaller portion.—adv. Main′ly, chiefly, principally.—ns. Main′mast, the principal mast of a ship, second from the prow; Main′sail, the principal sail generally attached to the mainmast; Main′sheet, the sheet or rope attached to the lower corner of the mainsail; Main′spring, the spring which gives motion to any piece of machinery, esp. that of a watch or a clock; Main′stay, the rope which stretches forward from the top of the mainmast: chief support; Main′top, a platform on the top of the mainmast; Main′topmast, the mast next above the lower mainmast; Main′topsail, the sail above the mainsail, in square-rigged vessels; Main′yard, the lower yard on the mainmast. [O. Fr. maine or magne, great—L. magnus, great.]
Main, mān, n. a hand at dice: a match at cockfighting: a banker's shovel for coin. [O. Fr. main—L. manus, hand.]
Mainor, mā′nor, n. act or fact, esp. of theft: that which is stolen.
Mains, mānz, n. (Scot.) the principal or home farm.
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Maintain, men-tān′, v.t. to keep in any state: to keep possession of: to preserve from capture or loss: to carry on: to keep up: to support: to make good: to support by argument: to affirm: to defend.—v.i. to affirm, as a position: to assert.—adj. Maintain′able, that can be supported or defended.—ns. Maintain′er, one who maintains; Main′tenance, the act of maintaining, supporting, or defending: continuance: the means of support: defence, protection: (law) an interference in a lawsuit, &c., in favour of one of the parties, by one who has no right or interest.—Cap of maintenance, a cap of dignity borne by or before nobles and other persons of rank. [Fr. maintenir—L. manu tenēre, to hold in the hand—manus, a hand, tenēre, to hold.]
Maister, mās′tėr, n. an obsolete form of Master.—Maistery=Mastery; Maistring=Mastering; Maître=Master.
Maize, māz, n. a plant, and its fruit, called also Indian corn or wheat. [Sp.,—Haitian.]
Majesty, maj′es-ti, n. greatness: grandeur: dignity: elevation of manner or style: royal state: a title of kings and other sovereigns, esp. with possessive pronouns, as His or Her Majesty, &c.: a symbolic representation of the first person of the Trinity enthroned: the canopy of a hearse: (her.) an eagle crowned and sceptred.—adjs. Majes′tic, -al, having or exhibiting majesty: stately: sublime.—adv. Majes′tically, in a majestic manner.—n. Majes′ticalness, Majes′ticness, majesty. [Fr. majesté—L. majestas—majus, comp. of magnus, great.]
Majolica, ma-jol′i-ka, n. name applied to decorative enamelled pottery, esp. that of Italy from the 15th to the 17th cent.: a modern ware in imitation, used for vases, &c. [From Majorca, where first made.]
Major, mā′jur, adj. greater in number, quantity, or size: more important: (mus.) greater by a semitone.—n. a person of full age (21 years): an officer in rank between a captain and lieutenant-colonel.—v.i. to play the major, to talk big.—ns. Majorat (ma-zhō-rä′), primogeniture; Mā′jorate, Mā′jorship, the office or rank of major: majority; Mā′jor-dō′mo, an official who has the general management in a large household: a general steward: a chief minister (Sp. mayor-domo, a house-steward—L. major, greater, domus, a house); Mā′jor-gen′eral, an officer in the army next in rank below a lieutenant-general; Major′ity, the greater number: the amount between the greater and the less number: full age (at 21): the office or rank of major.—Major key (mus.), a key in which the semitones lie between the third and fourth, and seventh and eighth; Major premise (logic), the principal or major statement in a syllogism; Major scale (see Major key).—Go over to, or Join, the majority, to die; The majority, the Great majority, the dead. [L., comp. of magnus.]
Majuscule, mā-jus′kūl, n. in paleography, a capital or uncial letter:—opp. to Minuscule. [L. majuscula (litera), a somewhat larger letter.]
Make, māk, v.t. to fashion, frame, or form: to produce: to bring about: to perform: to force: to render: to represent, or cause to appear to be: to turn: to occasion: to bring into any state or condition: to establish: to prepare: to obtain: to ascertain: to arrive in sight of: to reach: (B.) to be occupied with: to do.—v.i. to tend or move: to contribute: (B.) to feign or pretend:—pa.t. and pa.p. māde.—n. form or shape: structure, texture.—v.i. Make′-believe′, to pretend, feign.—n. a mere pretence.—ns. Make′-peace (Shak.), a peace-maker; Mak′er, one who makes: the Creator: a poet; Make′shift, something done or used to serve a shift or turn: something used only for a time.—adj. having the character of a temporary resource.—ns. Make′-up, the way anything is arranged: an actor's materials for personating a part: (print.) the arrangement of composed types into columns or pages, as in imposition; Make′-weight, that which is thrown into a scale to make up the weight: something of little value added to supply a deficiency; Mak′ing, the act of forming: structure: form.—Make account of (see Account); Make a figure, to be conspicuous; Make after, to follow or pursue; Make amends, to render compensation or satisfaction; Make as if, to act as if, to pretend that; Make at, to make a hostile movement against; Make away, to put out of the way, to destroy; Make away with, to squander; Make believe (see Believe); Make bold (see Bold); Make for, to move toward, to tend to the advantage of—so in B.; Make free with, to treat freely or without ceremony; Make good, to maintain, to justify, to fulfil; Make head against, to oppose successfully; Make light of (see Light); Make little of, to treat as insignificant; Make love to (see Love); Make much of, to treat with fondness, to cherish, to foster; Make no doubt, to have no doubt, to be confident; Make of, to understand by, to effect: to esteem; Make off with, to run away with; Make one's way, to proceed: to succeed; Make out, to discover: to prove: to furnish: to succeed; Make over, to remake, reconstruct: to transfer; Make pace, to increase the speed; Make sail, to increase the quantity of sail: to set sail; Make sure, to be certain of; Make sure of, to consider as certain, to secure to one's self; Make the most of, to use to the best advantage; Make up, to fabricate: to feign: to collect into one: to complete, supplement: to assume a particular form of features: to determine: to reckon: to make good: to repair: to harmonise, adjust; Make up for, to compensate; Make up to, to approach: to become friendly. [A.S. macian; Ger. machen.]
Make, māk, n. (Spens.) a mate, consort, equal.—adj. Make′less (Shak.), without a make or mate. [A.S. ge-maca; Ice. maki, a mate.]
Maketh, māk′eth, old 3d pers. sing. pres. ind. of make.
Makimono, mak-i-mō′nō, n. a roll, as of silk, esp. a long picture or writing rolled up and not hung. [Jap.]
Makwa, mak′wa, n. a Chinese short outer jacket.
Malachite, mal′a-kīt, n. a green-coloured mineral, composed essentially of carbonate of copper, much used for inlaid-work. [Gr. malachē, a mallow, a plant of a green colour.]
Malacolite, mal′a-kō-līt, n. a greenish lime-magnesia variety of pyroxene.
Malacology, mal-a-kol′o-ji, n. the branch of natural history which treats of the structure and habits of molluscs.—adj. Mal′acoid, soft-bodied.—n. Malacol′ogist. [Gr. malakos, soft, logia, a discourse.]
Malacopterygian, mal-a-kop-tėr-ij′i-an, adj. having the rays of the fins soft, excepting the first ray of the dorsal and pectoral fins, as in the pike, salmon, &c.—Also Malacopteryg′ious. [Gr. malakos, soft, pteryx, pterygos, a wing.]
Malacostracan, mal-a-kos′tra-kan, n. an individual belonging to a sub-class of crustaceans, including the shrimps, lobsters, &c.—adj. belonging to this class—also Malacos′tracous.—adj. Malacostracolog′ical.—ns. Malacostracol′ogist; Malacostracol′ogy. [Gr. malakos, soft, ostrakon, a shell.]
Malacozoa, mal-a-ko-zō′a, n.pl. soft-bodied animals, the Mollusca generally.—adj. Malacozō′ic, possessing the common features of molluscan life.
Maladaptation, mal-ad-ap-tā′shun, n. faulty adaptation.
Maladdress, mal-a-dres′, n. awkwardness: clumsiness.
Maladjustment, mal-ad-just′ment, n. a wrong adjustment.
Maladministration, mal-ad-min-is-trā′shun, n. bad management, esp. of public affairs.
Maladroit, mal-a-droit′, adj. not dexterous: unskilful: clumsy.—adv. Maladroit′ly.—n. Maladroit′ness, want of adroitness: awkwardness.
Malady, mal′a-di, n. illness: disease, either of the body or of the mind. [Fr. maladie—malade, sick—L. male habitus, in ill condition—male, badly, habitus, pa.p. of habēre, have, hold.]
Malaga, mal′a-ga, n. a wine imported from Malaga in Spain.
Malagasy, mal-a-gas′i, adj. of or pertaining to Madagascar or its inhabitants.—n. a native of Madagascar.—Also Malagash′.
Malaguetta pepper. See Pepper.
Malaise, ma-lāz′, n. uneasiness: a feeling of discomfort or of sickness. [O. Fr. malaise.]
Malapert, mal′a-pėrt, adj. bold: forward: saucy: impudent.—adv. Mal′apertly.—n. Mal′apertness. [O. Fr., mal—L. malus, bad, apert, well-bred—L. apertus, open.]
Malappropriate, mal-a-prō′pri-āt, v.t. to misuse.—adj. Malapropos (mal-ap-ro-pō′), out of place: unsuitable: inapt.—adv. badly apropos: not suited to the purpose: unseasonably.
Malapropism, mal′a-prop-izm, n. the act of misapplying words, in the attempt to use fine language, from Mrs Malaprop in Sheridan's play, The Rivals.
Malar, mā′lar, adj. pertaining to the cheek.—n. the bone which forms the prominence of the cheek. [L. mala, the cheek—mandĕre, to chew.]
Malaria, ma-lā′ri-a, n. the poisonous air arising from marshy districts, producing fever, &c.: miasma: the fever so caused.—adjs. Malā′rious, Malā′rial, Malā′rian. [It. mal' aria—L. malus, bad, aër, air.]
Malassimilation, mal-a-sim-i-lā′shun, n. imperfect assimilation or nutrition.
Malay, -an, ma-lā′, -an, n. a native or inhabitant of Malacca, or of the Malay Archipelago.—adj. of or pertaining to the Malays.—n. Malayä′lam, the language of Malabar, a Dravidian dialect.—adj. Malay′sian, relating to the Malay Peninsula, or to the Malays.
Malconformation, mal-kon-for-mā′shun, n. bad conformation or form: imperfection or disproportion of parts.
Malcontent, mal′kon-tent, adj. discontented, dissatisfied, esp. in political matters.—n. one discontented—also Malcontent′ed.—adv. Malcontent′edly.—n. Malcontent′edness.—adv. Malcontent′ly.
Male, māl, n. (Spens.) mail, armour.
Male, māl, adj. masculine: pertaining to the sex that begets (not bears) young: (bot.) bearing stamens.—n. one of the male sex: a he-animal: a stamen-bearing plant.—n. Male′-fern, an elegant fern, with the fronds growing in a crown.—Male order, in architecture, the Doric order; Male rhymes, those in which only the final syllables correspond; Male screw, a screw whose threads correspond to and enter the spiral grooves of the female screw. [O. Fr. male—L. masculus, male—mas, a male.]
Malediction, mal-e-dik′shun, n. evil-speaking: a calling down of evil: curse: execration or imprecation.—adjs. Maledict′ory, imprecatory; Maledikt′, accursed. [O. Fr.,—L. malediction-em—male, badly, dicĕre, dictum, to speak.]
Malefactor, mal′e-fak-tur, or mal-e-fak′tur, n. an evil-doer: a criminal.—n. Malefac′tion (Shak.), a crime, an offence.—adj. Malef′ic, doing mischief: producing evil.—adv. Malef′ically.—v.t. Malef′icate, to bewitch.—ns. Mal′efice (obs.), an evil deed: enchantment; Malef′icence, the character of being maleficent.—adjs. Malef′icent, Malefic′ient. [L., male, badly, facĕre, to do.]
Maleic, ma-lē′ik, adj. obtained from malic acid.
Malengine, ma-len′jin, n. (Spens.) evil device, deceit. [L. malus, bad, ingenium, ingenuity.]
Maletote, mal′e-tōt, n. an illegal exaction.—Also Mal′etolt. [O. Fr.]
Malevolent, mal-ev′o-lent, adj. wishing evil: ill-disposed towards others: rejoicing in another's misfortune: envious: malicious—also Malev′olous.—n. Malev′olence.—adv. Malev′olently. [L. male, badly, volens, pr.p. of velle, to wish.]
Malfeasance, mal-fē′zans, n. evil-doing: the doing of what one ought not to do: an illegal deed. [Fr. malfaisance—L. male, evil, facĕre, to do.]
Malformation, mal-for-mā′shun, n. bad or wrong formation: irregular or anomalous structure.—adj. Malformed′.
Malgrado, mal-grä′do, adv. in spite of. [It.]
Malgre. Same as Maugre.
Malic, mā′lik, adj. obtained from the juice of several fruits, esp. the apple. [L. malum, an apple.]
Malice, mal′is, n. ill-will: spite: disposition to harm others: deliberate mischief: intention to harm another.—adj. Malic′ious, bearing ill-will or spite: moved by hatred or ill-will: having mischievous intentions.—adv. Malic′iously.—n. Malic′iousness. [Fr.,—L. malitia—malus, bad.]
Malign, ma-līn′, adj. of an evil disposition towards others: malicious: unfavourable.—v.t. to speak evil of: (obs.) to treat with malice.—ns. Malign′er; Malig′nity, state or quality of being malign: great hatred, virulence: deadly quality.—adv. Malign′ly.—n. Malign′ment. [Fr. malin, fem. maligne—L. malignus for maligenus, of evil disposition—malus, bad, and gen, root of genus.]
Malignant, ma-lig′nant, adj. disposed to do harm or to cause suffering: malign: acting maliciously: actuated by great hatred: tending to cause death.—n. a name applied by the Puritan party to one who had fought for Charles I. in the Civil War.—n. Malig′nancy, Malig′nance, state or quality of being malignant.—adv. Malig′nantly. [L. malignans, pr.p. of malignāre, to act maliciously.]
Malines lace. Same as Mechlin lace. See Lace.
Malinfluence, mal-in′flōō-ens, n. evil influence.
Malinger, ma-ling′gėr, v.i. to feign sickness in order to avoid duty.—ns. Maling′erer; Maling′ery, feigned sickness. [Fr. malingre—mal—L. malus, bad, O. Fr. heingre, ailing—L. æger, sick.]
Malison, mal′i-zn, n. a curse:—opp. to Benison. [O. Fr.; a doublet of malediction; cf. benison and benediction.]
Malkin, maw′kin, n. (Shak.) a term used in contempt for a dirty woman: a mop: (Scot.) a hare.—Also Maw′kin. [Dim. of Mal or Moll, Mary.]
Mall, mawl, or mal, n. a large wooden beetle or hammer.—v.t. to beat with a mall or something heavy: to bruise. [O. Fr. mail—L. malleus.]
Mall, mel, or mal, n. a level shaded walk: a public walk. [Contr. through O. Fr. of Old It. palamaglio—It. palla, a ball, maglio, a mace.]
Mallard, mal′ard, n. a drake: the common duck in its wild state. [O. Fr. malard (Fr. malart)—male, male, and suffix -ard.]
Malleate, mal′e-āt, v.t. to hammer: to form into a plate or leaf by hammering.—adj. Mall′eable, that may be malleated or beaten out by hammering.—ns. Mall′eableness, Malleabil′ity, quality of being malleable; Malleā′tion.—adj. Mall′eiform, hammer-shaped.—n. Mall′eus, one of the small bones of the middle ear in mammals. [L. malleus, a hammer.]
Mallecho, mal′ē-chō, n. (Shak.) villainy—probably a corruption of Spanish malhecho, mischief.—Also Mal′icho.
Mallee, mal′ē, n. two dwarf species of Eucalyptus in Australia.—ns. Mall′ee-bird, Mall′ee-hen, an Australian mound-bird or megapode.
Mallemaroking, mal′ē-ma-rō′king, n. the visiting and carousing of seamen in the Greenland ships. [Prob. to act like the mallemuck.]
Mallemuck, mal′e-muk, n. the fulmar petrel. [Ger.]
Malleolus, ma-lē′ō-lus, n. a bony protuberance on either side of the ankle.—adj. Mal′lēolar. [L.]
Mallet, mal′et, n. a small wooden hammer: the long-handled hammer for driving the balls in croquet. [Fr. maillet, dim. of mail, a mall.]
Mallow, mal′ō, n. any plant of genus Malva—from its emollient properties or its soft downy leaves. [A.S. malwe—L. malva; Gr. malachē—malassein, to make soft.]
Malm, Maum, mäm, n. calcareous loam, earth specially good for brick. [A.S. mealm, sand.]
Malmsey, mäm′ze, n. a sort of grape: a strong and sweet wine, first made in Greece, but now also in the Canary Islands and the Azores. [O. Fr. malvoisie, from Malvasia in the Morea.]
Malodour, mal-ō′dor, n. an offensive odour.—adj. Malō′dorous.—n. Malō′dorousness.
Malpighian, mal-pig′i-an, adj. applied in anatomy to several structures in the kidney and spleen investigated by Marcello Malpighi (1628-94).
Malposition, mal-pō-zish′un, n. a wrong position, misplacement.
Malpractice, mal-prak′tis, n. evil practice or conduct: practice contrary to established rules.—n. Malpractit′ioner, a physician guilty of malpractice.
Malpresentation, mal-prē-zen-tā′shun, n. abnormal presentation in childbirth.
Malstick. See Mahl-stick.
Malt, mawlt, n. barley or other grain steeped in water, allowed to sprout, and dried in a kiln, used in brewing ale, &c.—v.t. to make into malt.—v.i. to become malt: (hum.) to drink malt liquor.—adj. containing or made with malt.—ns. Malt′-dust, grain-sprouts produced and 'screened off' in malt-making; Malt′-floor, a perforated floor in the chamber of a malt-kiln, through which heat rises; Malt′-horse, a heavy horse, such as used by brewers—hence (Shak.) used in reproach for a dull, stupid person; Malt′ing; Malt′-kiln; Malt′-mill, a mill for grinding malt; Malt′ose, a hard, white, crystalline sugar, formed by the action of malt or diastase on starch; Malt′ster, Malt′man, one whose trade or occupation it is to make malt (-ster was up to the end of the 13th century a feminine affix); Malt′worm (Shak.), a lover of malted liquors, a tippler.—adj. Malt′y.—Malt liquor, a liquor, as beer, ale, or porter, formed from malt; Malt tea, the liquid infusion of the mash in brewing. [A.S. mealt, pa.t. of meltan, to soften; cf. Ger. malz.]
Maltalent, mal′tal-ent, n. (Spens.) bad inclination, ill-humour.
Maltese, mal-tēz′, n. a native, or the natives, of Malta: the dialect, a corrupt Arabic mixed with Italian.—adj. belonging to Malta, or to its inhabitants.—Maltese cross (see Cross); Maltese dog, a very small spaniel with long silky hair.
Maltha, mal′tha, n. a thick mineral pitch: any similar preparation used by the ancients as a cement, stucco, or mortar. [L.]
Malthusian, mal-thū′zhan, adj. relating to Malthus or to the principles he taught regarding the necessity of preventing population from increasing faster than the means of living.—n. a disciple of Thomas Robert Malthus (1766-1834).
Maltreat, mal-trēt′, v.t. to abuse: to use roughly or unkindly.—n. Maltreat′ment. [Fr. maltraiter—L. male, ill, tractāre, to treat.]
Malvaceous, mal-vā′shus, adj. (bot.) pertaining to plants of the mallow family.
Malversation, mal-vėr-sā′shun, n. evil conduct: misbehaviour in office: corruption: extortion. [Fr.—L. male, badly, versāri, -ātus, to occupy one's self.]
Malvoisie, mal′vwä-zē, n. Same as Malmsey.
Mambrino, mam-brē′no, n. a medieval iron hat, from its likeness to the barber's basin in Don Quixote.
Mameluke, mam′e-lōōk, n. one of a force of light horse in Egypt formed of Circassian slaves—dispersed in 1811. [Fr.,—Ar. mamlûk, a purchased slave—malaka, to possess.]
Mamma, Mama, mam-mä′, n. mother—used chiefly by young children.—n. Mamm′y, mother. [Mama, a repetition of ma, the first syllable a child naturally utters.]
Mammalia, mam-mā′li-a, n.pl. (zool.) the whole class of animals that suckle their young.—ns. Mam′elon, a small hillock with a rounded top; Mam′ma, the mammary gland:—pl. Mam′mæ; Mam′mal, (zool.), one of the mammalia:—pl. Mammals (mam′alz).—adjs. Mammā′lian; Mammalif′erous (geol.), bearing mammals; Mammalog′ical.—ns. Mammal′ogist; Mammal′ogy, the scientific knowledge of mammals.—adjs. Mam′mary, relating to the mammæ or breasts; Mam′mate, having breasts.—n. Mam′mifer, an animal having mammæ.—adjs. Mammif′erous, having mammaæ; Mam′miform, having the form of a breast or pap—also Mammil′iform.—n. Mammil′la, the nipple of the mammary gland:—pl. Mammil′læ.—adjs. Mam′millary, pertaining to, or resembling, the breasts: studded with rounded projections; Mam′millate, having a mammilla; Mam′millated, having small nipples, or little globes like nipples: nipple-shaped.—n. Mammillā′tion—adj. Mammose′ (bot.), breast-shaped. [L.]
Mammee, mam-mē′, n. a highly esteemed fruit of the West Indies and tropical America, having a sweet taste and aromatic odour: the tree producing the fruit, the Mammea. [Haitian.]
Mammer, mam′ėr, v.i. (Shak.) to hesitate, to stand muttering and in doubt. [Prob. imit.]
Mammet, mam′et, n. (Shak.) a puppet, a figure dressed up. [Cf. mawmet, an idol.]
Mammock, mam′uk, n. a shapeless piece.—v.t. (Shak.) to tear to pieces, to mangle.
Mammon, mam′un, n. riches: the god of riches.—adj. Mamm′onish, devoted to money-getting.—ns. Mamm′onism, devotion to gain; Mamm′onist, Mamm′onite, a person devoted to riches: a worldling.—adj. Mammonist′ic. [Low L. mammona—Gr. mamōnas—Syriac mamônâ, riches.]
Mammoth, mam′uth, n. an extinct species of elephant.—adj. resembling the mammoth in size: very large. [Russ. mamantŭ—Tartar mamma, the earth.]
Man, man, n. a human being: mankind: a grown-up male: a male attendant: one possessing a distinctively masculine character: a husband: a piece used in playing chess or draughts: a ship, as in man-of-war: a word of familiar address:—pl. Men.—v.t. to supply with men: to strengthen or fortify:—pr.p. man′ning; pa.t. and pa.p. manned.—ns. Man′-at-arms, a soldier; Man-child, a male child: a boy; Man′dom (rare), humanity, men collectively; Man′-eat′er, a cannibal: a tiger; Man′-en′gine, an elevator for raising and lowering men in some deep mines.—adj. Man′ful, having the qualities of a man: full of manliness: bold: courageous: noble-minded.—adv. Man′fully.—ns. Man′fulness; Man′-hole, a hole in a drain, cesspool, &c., large enough to admit a man, for the purpose of cleaning or repairing it; Man′hood, state of being a man: manly quality: human nature; Man′kind, the kind or race of man: the mass of human beings.—adj. Man′-like, having the appearance, characteristics, or qualities of a man.—n. Man′liness.—adj. Man′ly, becoming a man: brave: dignified: noble: pertaining to manhood: not childish or womanish.—n. Man′-mill′iner, a man engaged in millinery—often in contempt.—adjs. Man′-mind′ed (Tenn.), having the mind or qualities of a man; Man′nish, like a man: masculine: bold.—ns. Man′-of-war, a war-ship: (B.) a soldier; Man′-of-war's-man, a man who serves on board a war-ship; Man′-quell′er (Shak.), a man-killer, a murderer; Man′slaughter, the slaying of a man: (law) the killing of any one unlawfully, but without malice or forethought; Man′slayer, one who kills a man; Man′stealer, one who steals human beings, esp. to make slaves of them; Man′trap, a trap or machine for catching people who trespass.—Man about town, a fashionable idler, dangling about clubs, theatres, &c.; Man alive! an exclamation of surprise; Man Friday, a servile attendant, factotum—from Robinson Crusoe's man; Man in the moon, a fancied semblance of a man walking in the moon, with a bush near, and his dog behind him; Man of business, an agent or a lawyer; Man of (his) hands, a handy, clever fellow; Man of letters, a scholar and writer; Man of sin, the devil: Antichrist; Man of straw, a person put in the front of some business, but who is not really responsible; Man of the world, a person well accustomed to the ways and dealings of men. [A.S. mann; Ger. mann, Dut. man, L. mas—mans, a male, Sans. manu, a man.]
Manacle, man′a-kl, n. a handcuff.—v.t. to put manacles on: to restrain the use of the limbs or any of the natural powers. [Through O. Fr., from L. manicula, dim. of manica, sleeve—manus, hand.]
Manage, man′āj, v.t. to guide by use of the hands: to have under command or control: to bring round to one's plans: to conduct with great carefulness: to wield: to handle: to contrive: to train by exercise, as a horse.—v.i. to conduct affairs.—n. Manageabil′ity, the quality of being manageable.—adj. Man′ageable, that can be managed: governable.—n. Man′ageableness.—adv. Man′ageably.—ns. Man′agement, art or act of managing: manner of directing or of using anything: administration: skilful treatment: a body of managers; Man′ager, one who manages: a person who controls a business or other concern.—adj. Managē′rial, of or pertaining to a manager, or to management. [Fr. manége, the managing of a horse—It. maneggio—L. manus, the hand.]
Manakin, man′a-kin, n. a small tropical American piproid bird: a variant form of manikin.
Manatee, man-a-tē′, n. an aquatic animal—also called the Sea-cow or Dugong (q.v.).
Manche, manch, n. (her.) a sleeve: the neck of a violin, &c. [Fr.]
Manchester goods, man′ches-tėr goods, n.pl. goods or articles made in Manchester, esp. cotton and woollen cloths: similar goods made elsewhere.
Manchet, man′chet, n. (Tenn.) a small loaf or cake of fine white bread. [Ety. dub.]
Manchette, man-shet′, n. an ornamental cuff.
Manchineel, manch-i-nēl′, n. a West Indian tree, remarkable for the poisonous qualities of its juice, and having a fruit resembling a small apple. [Sp. manzanillo, a small apple.]
Manchu, Manchoo, man-chōō′, n. one of the race from which Manchuria took its name, and which governed China in the 17th century.—adj. of or pertaining to Manchuria or to its inhabitants. [Chin., meaning 'pure.']
Mancipation, man-si-pā′shun, n. in ancient Rome, a legal formality for acquiring title to property by actual or by simulated purchase.—v.t. Man′cipate.—adj. Man′cipatory.
Manciple, man′si-pl, n. a steward: a purveyor, particularly of a college or an inn of court. [O. Fr.,—L. manceps, a purchaser—manus, hand, capĕre, take.]
Mandæan, man-dē′an, n. and adj. one of an ancient and still surviving sect in southern Babylonia, their religion a corrupt Gnosticism, with many Jewish and Parsee elements.—Also Mendaites, Nasoreans, and Sabians, and also Christians of St John. [Mandæan mandā, knowledge, gnosis.]
Mandamus, man-dā′mus, n. a writ or command issued by a higher court to a lower. [L., 'we command'—mandāre, to command.]
Mandarin, man-da-rēn′, n. a European name for a Chinese official, civil or military: a small kind of orange, thought to be of Chinese origin.—-n. Mandarī′nate. [Port, mandarim—Malayan mantrí, counsellor—Sans. mantra, counsel.]
Mandate, man′dāt, n. a charge: a command from a superior official or judge to an inferior, ordering him how to act, esp. from the Pope to a legate, &c.: a right given to a person to act in name of another: a rescript of the Pope.—ns. Man′datary, Man′datory, one to whom a mandate is given by a Man′dator.—adj. Man′datory, containing a mandate or command; preceptive: directory. [Fr. mandat—L. mandātum, mandāre—manus, hand, dăre, give.]
Mandible, man′di-bl, n. a jaw-bone, esp. that of the lower jaw.—adjs. Mandib′ular, relating to the jaw; Mandib′ulāte, -d, having mandibles for biting, like many insects. [L. mandibula—mandĕre, chew.]
Mandoline, Mandolin, man′do-lin, n. a musical instrument somewhat like a lute, having strings, finger-board, and neck like a guitar.—n. Mandō′la, a large mandoline. [Fr.,—It. mandola, mandora, a lute.]
Mandorla, man-dor′la, n. an oval panel, or a work of art filling such: the vesica piscis. [It.]
Mandrake, man′drāk, n. a plant of the genus Mandragora, with narcotic properties, once regarded as an aphrodisiac, shrieking when pulled out of the ground.—Mandrag′ora (Shak.). [L.,—Gr. mandragoras.]
Mandrel, man′drel, n. a bar of iron fitted to a turning-lathe on which articles to be turned are fixed: the axle of a circular saw.—Also Man′dril. [Fr. mandrin; prob. through Low L. from Gr. mandra.]
Mandrill, man′dril, n. a large kind of baboon, a native of Western Africa. [Fr.]
Manducate, man′dū-kāt, v.t. to chew or eat.—adj. Man′ducable.—n. Manducā′tion.—adj. Man′ducatory. [L. manducāre—mandĕre, to chew.]
Mane, mān, n. the long hair flowing from the neck of some quadrupeds, as the horse and the lion.—adjs. Maned, having a mane; Mane′less, without a mane; Mane′-like (Tenn.), like a mane: hanging in the form of a mane.—n. Mane′-sheet, a covering for the upper part of a horse's head. [A.S. manu; Ice. mön; Ger. mähne.]
Manège, man-āzh′, n. the managing of horses: the art of horsemanship or of training horses: a riding-school.—v.t. to train, as a horse. [Fr.; cf. manage.]
Maneh, mā′ne, n. a Hebrew weight of uncertain value. See Mina. [Heb.]
Manequin. Same as Manikin.
Manes, mā′nēz, n. (Roman myth.) the benevolent or tutelary spirits of departed persons: the lower world, as being the abode of the manes. [L.]
Manet, mā′net, he remains, a stage direction. [L. 3d sing. pres. ind. of manēre, to remain.]
Manga, man′ga, n. a covering for a cross.
Mangabey, mang′ga-bā, n. a slender and agile African monkey.
Mangal, man′gal, n. a Turkish brazier for charcoal.
Manganese, mang-ga-nēz′, or mang′ga-nēz, n. a hard and brittle metal of a grayish-white colour, somewhat like iron.—adjs. Manganē′sian, Manganē′sic, Mangan′ic, Mang′anous; Manganif′erous.—n. Mang′anite, gray ore of manganese, used in glass manufacture. [O. Fr. manganese, a material used in making glass, prob. from It. and cog. with magnesia.]
Mange, mānj, n. the scab or itch which eats the skin of domestic animals. [From adj. mangy.]
Mangel-wurzel, mang′gl-wur′zl, n. a plant of the beet kind cultivated as food for cattle.—Also Mang′old-wur′zel. [Ger. mangold, beet, wurzel, root.]
Manger, mānj′ėr, n. a trough in which food is laid for horses and cattle.—Dog in the manger, one who will neither enjoy something himself nor let others do so—also adjectively. [O. Fr. mangeoire—mangier, to eat—L. manducus, a glutton—mandĕre, to chew.]
Mangle, mang′gl, v.t. to cut and bruise: to tear in cutting: to mutilate: to take by piecemeal.—n. Mang′ler. [Skeat suggests a freq. form of O. Fr. mahaigner, to maim—mehaing, a hurt.]
Mangle, mang′gl, n. a rolling-press for smoothing linen.—v.t. to smooth with a mangle: to calender.—n. Mang′ler. [Dut. mangelen, to roll with a rolling-pin, through Low L., from Gr. manganon, the axis of a pulley.]
Mango, mang′gō, n. the fruit of the mango-tree of the East Indies: a green musk-melon pickled. [Malay mañggā.]
Mangonel, mang′go-nel, n. an engine used before the invention of cannon for throwing stones, &c. [O. Fr.,—Low L. mangonellus—Gr. manganon, a machine for throwing stones.]
Mangostan, mang′go-stan, Mangosteen, mang′go-stēn, n. an East Indian tree, and its fruit, which is of a most delicious taste. [Malay.]
Mangrove, man′grōv, n. a tree which grows on muddy shores and river-banks in the East and West Indies. [Malayan.]
Mangy, mānj′i, adj. scabby.—n. Mang′iness. [Anglicised form of Fr. mangé, eaten, pa.p. of manger, to eat—L. manducāre, to chew.]
Mania, mā′ni-a, n. violent madness: insanity: excessive or unreasonable desire.—n. Mā′niac, a person affected with mania: a madman.—adj. raving mad.—adj. Maniacal (ma-nī′a-kal).—adv. Manī′acally. [L.,—Gr. mania; cf. menos, mind.]
Manicate, man′i-kāt, adj. (bot.) covered with hairs so matted or interwoven as to be easily stripped off. [L. manicātus, sleeved—manicæ, long sleeves.]
Manichæan, Manichean, man-i-kē′an, adj. pertaining to the Manichees or followers of Mani, a native of Ecbatana (215-276 A.D.), who taught that everything sprang from two chief principles, light and darkness, or good and evil.—n. a believer in Manichæanism—also Man′ichee.—ns. Manichæ′anism, Manichē′ism, the doctrines of the Manichæans.
Manicure, man′i-kūr, n. the care of hands and nails: one who practises this.—v.t. to treat the hands and nails. [L. manus, hand, cura, care.]
Manifest, man′i-fest, adj. that may be easily seen by the eye or perceived by the mind: clear: apparent: evident.—v.t. to make clear or easily seen: to show plainly: to put beyond doubt: to reveal or declare.—n. an open or public statement: a list or invoice of a ship's cargo to be exhibited at the custom-house.—adjs. Manifest′able, Manifest′ible, that can be manifested or clearly shown.—n. Manifestā′tion, act of disclosing what is dark or secret: that by which something is manifested or shown: display: revelation.—adv. Man′ifestly.—n. Man′ifestness, state of being manifest. [Fr.,—L. manifestus—manus, the hand, -festus, pa.p. of obs. fendĕre, to dash against.]
Manifesto, man-i-fest′ō, n. a public written declaration of the intentions, opinions, or motives of a sovereign or of a leader of a party.—v.i. (rare) to issue a manifesto. [It.,—L.; see Manifest.]
Manifold, man′i-fōld, adj. various in kind or quality: many in number: multiplied.—adj. Man′ifolded (Spens.), having many folds or complications.—adv. Man′ifoldly.—n. Man′ifoldness.
Maniform, man′i-form, adj. having the shape or form of a hand. [L. manus, the hand, forma, a shape.]
Manigraph, man′i-graf, n. a device for multiplying copies of writings or drawings.
Manihot, man′i-hot, n. a genus of tropical American, mainly Brazilian, herbs of the spurge family—two species yielding the bitter and the sweet cassava respectively.
Manikin, man′i-kin, n. a dwarf: a pasteboard model exhibiting the different parts and organs of the human body. [Old Dut. mann-ek-en, a double dim. of man, Eng. man.]
Manila, Manilla, ma-nil′a, n. a cheroot manufactured in Manila, in the Philippine Islands.
Manilla, ma-nil′a, n. a ring worn as an ornament on the arm or leg, or used as money among the tribes of West Africa.—Also Mā′nilio, Manille′. [Low L. manilia, a bracelet—L. manus, the hand.]
Manille, ma-nil′, n. in ombre and quadrille, the highest card but one. [Fr.]
Manioc, mā′ni-ok, n. a tropical plant from which cassava and tapioca are obtained.—Also written Man′dioc, Mā′nihoc, Mā′nihot. [Sp. mandioca—Brazilian.]
Maniple, man′i-pl, n. a company of foot-soldiers in the Roman army: in the Western Church, a eucharistic vestment, a narrow strip worn on the left arm.—adj. Manip′ular, of or pertaining to a maniple: pertaining to handling or manipulation. [L. manipulus—manus, the hand, plēre, to fill.]
Manipulate, ma-nip′ū-lāt, v.t. to work with the hands.—v.i. to use the hands, esp. in scientific experiments: to handle or manage: to give a false appearance to: to turn to one's own purpose or advantage.—n. Manipulā′tion, act of manipulating or working by hand: use of the hands in a skilful manner in science or in art.—adjs. Manip′ulative, Manip′ulatory, done by manipulation.—n. Manip′ulator, one who manipulates or works with the hand. [Low L. manipulāre, -ātum. See Maniple.]
Manis, mā′nis, n. the pangolin or scaly ant-eater.
Manito, man′i-tō, n. a spirit or other object of reverence among some of the American Indians.—Also Manitou. [Algonkin.]
Manna, man′a, n. the food supplied to the Israelites in the wilderness of Arabia: delicious food for body or mind: a sweet juice or gum got from many trees, as the ash of Sicily.—adj. Mannif′erous. [Heb. mān hū, what is it? or from man, a gift.]
Manner, man′ėr, n. the way in which anything is done: method: fashion: personal style of acting or bearing one's self: habit: custom: style of writing or of thought: sort: style: (pl.) morals: good behaviour: character: respectful deportment.—adj. Mann′ered, having manners (esp. in compounds, as well- or ill-mannered): affected with mannerism: artificial: stilted.—ns. Mann′erism, a constant sameness of manner: a marked peculiarity of style or manner, esp. in literary composition: manner or style becoming wearisome by its sameness; Mann′erist, one addicted to mannerism.—adj. Manneris′tic.—adv. Manneris′tically.—n. Mann′erliness.—adj. Mann′erly, showing good manners: well-behaved: complaisant: not rude.—adv. with good manners: civilly: respectfully: without rudeness.—By no manner of means, under no circumstances whatever; In a manner, to a certain degree; In, or With, the manner (B.), in the very act; Make one's manners, to salute a person on meeting by a bow, courtesy, &c.; Shark's manners, rapacity; To the manner born, accustomed to something from birth. [Fr. manière—main—L. manus, the hand.]
Manning, man′ing, n. the act of supplying with men.
Mannite, man′īt, n. a sweetish crystalline compound found in celery, sea-grasses, the dried sap of the flowering ash, &c.
Manœuvre, ma-nōō′vėr, or ma-nū′-, n. a piece of dexterous management: stratagem: a skilful and clever movement in military or naval tactics.—v.i. and v.t. to perform a manœuvre: to manage with art: to change the position of troops or of ships: to affect or to gain by manœuvres.—n. Manœu′vrer. [Fr.,—Low L. manuopera—L. manu, by hand, opera, work. Cf. manure.]
Manometer, man-om′e-tėr, n. an instrument for measuring the rarity or density of gases from their elastic force—also Man′oscope.—adjs. Manomet′ric, -al.—n. Manos′copy. [Gr. manos, rare, metron, measure.]
Manor, man′or, n. the land belonging to a nobleman, or so much as he formerly kept for his own use: the district over which the court of the lord of the manor had authority: a tract of land in America for which a fee-farm rent was paid.—ns. Man′or-house, -seat, the house or seat belonging to a manor.—adj. Manō′rial, pertaining to a manor. [O. Fr. manoir—L. manēre, mansum, to stay.]
Manqué, mang′kā, adj. spoiled: defective: off: lost: missed. [Fr.]
Mansard-roof, man′sard-rōōf, n. a form of roof having a break in the slope, the lower part being steeper than the upper, so called from the architect, François Mansart (1598-1666).
Manse, mans, n. the residence of a clergyman, esp. of Presbyterians in Scotland. [O. Fr.,—Low L. mansa, a farm—manēre, mansus, to remain.]
Mansion, man′shun, n. a house, esp. one of some size: a manor-house: the dwelling of a nobleman or a landholder: (B.) a resting-place.—ns. Man′sion-house, a mansion: the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London; Man′sionry (Shak.), a mansion, place of residence. [O. Fr.,—L. mansion-em—manēre, mansus, to remain.]
Mansuetude, man′swe-tūd, n. gentleness: tameness: mildness.—adj. Man′suete (rare), mild. [Fr.,—L. mansuetudo, mildness.]
Mansworn, man′sworn, p.adj. (obs.) perjured. [A.S. manswérian, to swear falsely.]
Mantel, man′tl, n. the ornamental shelf over a fireplace.—Also Man′tel-piece, Man′tel-shelf.
Mantic, man′tik, adj. relating to divination: prophetic. [Gr. mantikos—mantis, a prophet.]
Manticore, man′ti-kōr, n. a fabulous beast of prey with a human head. [Fr.,—L.,—Gr. mantichōras.]
Mantilla, man-til′a, n. a small mantle: a kind of veil covering the head and falling down upon the shoulders. [Sp.; cf. mantle.]
Mantis, man′tis, n. a genus of orthopterous insects somewhat like locusts, carrying their large spinous forelegs in the attitude of prayer. [Gr. mantis.]
Mantle, man′tl, n. a covering: a cloak or loose outer garment: spirit: (zool.) the thin fleshy membrane lining a mollusc's shell: a conical wire-network covered with some highly refractory earth that becomes luminous under a flame.—v.t. to cover: to disguise.—v.i. to spread like a mantle: to revel: to joy: to froth: to rush to the face and impart a crimson glow, as blood.—ns. Man′tlet, Man′telet, a small cloak for women: (fort.) a movable shield or screen to protect an attacking force, or gunners while serving their guns; Man′tling, cloth suitable for mantles: (her.) the representation of a mantle, or the drapery of a coat-of-arms. [O. Fr. mantel (Fr. manteau)—L. mantellum, a napkin.]
Mantology, man-tol′ō-ji, n. the act or art of divination.—n. Mantol′ogist.
Manton, man′tun, n. a shawl or wrap. [Sp.,—manta, a cloak. Same root as mantle.]
Mantra, man′tra, n. a Vedic hymn of praise: the matter of the Sanhita or first division of the Veda: a sacred text used as an incantation. [Sans., 'thought.']
Mantua, man′tū-a, n. a lady's cloak or mantle: a lady's gown—(Scot.) Mant′y.—n. Man′tua-mak′er, a maker of ladies' gowns and dresses. [Prob. arose through confusion of manteau (It. manto) with Mantua, in Italy.]
Mantuan, man′tū-an, adj. of or pertaining to Mantua in Italy, or to the poet Virgil or his works.—n. a native of Mantua, esp. Virgil.
Manual, man′ū-al, adj. pertaining to the hand: done, made, or used by the hand.—n. drill in the use of weapons, &c.: a handbook: a handy compendium of a large subject or treatise: the key-board of an organ, &c.: an old office-book like the modern R.C. ritual.—adv. Man′ually.—Manual alphabet, the letters made by the deaf and dumb with the hand in conversation; Manual exercise, the exercise by which soldiers are made to handle their arms. [L. manualis—manus, the hand.]
Manubrium, mā-nū′bri-um, n. the presternum of most mammals: in organ-building, a stop-knob or handle.—adj. Manū′briāted. [L., 'a handle.']
Manufacture, man-ū-fakt′ūr, v.t. to make from raw materials by any means into a form suitable for use.—v.i. to be occupied in manufactures.—n. the process of manufacturing: anything manufactured.—n. Manufact′ory, a factory or place where goods are manufactured.—adj. Manufact′ural.—n. Manufact′urer, one who manufactures.—p.adj. Manufact′uring, pertaining to manufactures. [Fr.,—L. manus, the hand, factura, a making, from facĕre, factum, to make.]