Chapter I: O U, =i'=o'=u', n. a memorandum of debt given by a borrower to a (10)

MASS, mas, _n._ the celebration of the Lord's Supper or Eucharist in R.C. churches, also the office for the same: a musical setting of certain parts of the R.C. liturgy: a church festival or feast-day, as in _Candlemas_, _Christmas_, _Martinmas_, &c.--_ns._ MASS'-BELL, or _Sacring-bell_, a bell rung during the celebration of mass, at the elevation of the host; MASS'-BOOK, the R.C. missal or service-book; MASS'-PRIEST, formerly a R.C. secular priest, as distinct from those living under a rule--later, a priest retained in chantries, &c., to say masses for the dead: a R.C. priest generally.--MASS FOR THE DEAD, a funeral mass for the faithful in Christ, to hasten their release from purgatory; CONVENTUAL MASS, a mass for the general community of a religious house: a mass at which special remembrance is made of pious founders and benefactors; DRY MASS, or SERVICE, a rite in which there is neither consecration nor communion; HIGH MASS, a mass celebrated with music, ritual, ceremonies, and incense; LOW MASS, the ordinary mass celebrated without music and incense; MIDNIGHT MASS, that mass which is said at midnight on Christmas-eve; PRIVATE MASS, any mass where only the priest communicates, esp. in a private oratory; SOLEMN MASS, a mass resembling a high mass, but without some of its special ceremonies; VOTIVE MASS, a special mass over and above those ordinarily said for the day, for some particular grace or purpose, and provided by some individual. [A.S. _mæsse_--Low L. _missa_--L. _missus_, _mitt[)e]re_, to send away, from the phrase at the close of service, _Ite, missa est (ecclesia)_, 'Go, the congregation is dismissed.']

MASSA, mas'ä, _n._ a negro corruption of _master_.

MASSACRE, mas'a-k[.e]r, _n._ indiscriminate slaughter, esp. with cruelty: carnage.--_v.t._ to kill with violence and cruelty: to slaughter. [Fr.; from the Teut., as in Low Ger. _matsken_, to cut; cf. Ger. _metz-ger_, a butcher.]

MASSAGE, ma-säzh', _n._ in medicine, a system of treatment in which the manipulation and exercise of parts (_passive movement_) are employed for the relief of morbid conditions--by stroking, pressing, tapping, kneading, friction with kneading, &c.--_v.t._ to subject to massage.--_ns._ MASSA'GIST, MASSEUR':--_fem._ MASSEUSE'. [Fr., from Gr. _massein_, to knead.]

MASSE, ma-s[=a]', _n._ in billiards, a sharp stroke made with the cue perpendicular or nearly so. [Fr.]

MASSETER, mas-[=e]'t[.e]r, _n._ a muscle which raises the under jaw, and thus closes the mouth. [Gr. _mas[=e]t[=e]r_--_masasthai_, to chew.]

MASSICOT, mas'i-kot, _n._ protoxide of lead or yellow oxide of lead. [Fr.]

MASSIF, ma-s[=e]f, _n._ a central mountain-mass; an orographic fault-block. [Fr.]

MASSORAH, MASORA, mas'[=o]-rä, _n._ the tradition by which Jewish scholars tried to preserve the text of the Old Testament--a collection of critical notes on the text of the Old Testament, first committed to writing in Tiberias between the 6th and 9th cent. A.D.--the _Great Massorah_ was finally arranged about the 11th century; the _Small Massorah_ is an extract therefrom.--_ns._ MASS'ORETE, MASS'ORITE.--_adjs._ MASSORET'IC, MASORET'IC.--MASSORETIC POINTS and ACCENTS, the vowel-points in Hebrew furnished by the Massorah. [Heb., 'tradition.']

MAST, mast, _n._ a long upright pole for bearing the yards, rigging, &c. in a ship.--_v.t._ to supply with a mast or masts.--_adj._ MAST'ED.--_n._ MAST'-HEAD, the head or top of the mast of a ship.--_v.t._ to raise to the mast-head: to punish by sending a sailor to the mast-head for a certain time.--_n._ MAST'-HOUSE, the place in dockyards where masts are made.--_adj._ MAST'LESS, having no mast. [A.S. _mæst_, the stem of a tree; Ger. _mast_.]

MAST, mast, _n._ the fruit of the oak, beech, chestnut, and other forest trees, on which swine feed: nuts, acorns.--_adjs._ MAST'FUL; MAST'LESS; MAST'Y. [A.S. _mæst_; Ger. _mast_, whence _mästen_, to feed.]

MASTER, mas't[.e]r, _n._ one who commands: a lord or owner: a leader or ruler: a teacher: an employer: the commander of a merchant-ship: formerly the navigator or sailing-master of a ship-of-war: one eminently skilled in anything: the common title of address to a young gentleman, &c.: a title of dignity or office--a degree conferred by universities, as _Master of Arts_, &c., the title of the eldest son of a Scotch viscount or baron, the head of some corporations, as Balliol College, &c., of a lodge of freemasons, &c.: a husband.--_adj._ the chief, predominant: belonging to a master, chief, principal, as in _Master-builder_, &c.--_v.t._ to become master of: to overcome: to become skilful in: to execute with skill.--_ns._ MAS'TER-BUILD'ER, a chief builder, one who directs or employs others; MAS'TERDOM, power of control.--_adj._ MAS'TERFUL, exercising the authority or power of a master: imperious: having the skill of a master.--_adv._ MAS'TERFULLY, in a masterful or imperious manner.--_ns._ MAS'TERFULNESS; MAS'TER-HAND, the hand of a master: a person highly skilled; MAS'TERHOOD; MAS'TER-JOINT, the most marked system of joints or divisional planes by which a rock is intersected; MAS'TERKEY, a key that opens many locks: a clue fitted to guide one out of many difficulties.--_adj._ MAS'TERLESS, without a master or owner: ungoverned: unsubdued: beyond control.--_n._ MAS'TERLINESS, quality of being masterly: masterly skill.--_adj._ MAS'TERLY, like a master: with the skill of a master: skilful: excellent: overbearing.--_adv._ with the skill of a master.--_ns._ MAS'TER-MAR'INER, the captain of a merchant-vessel or fishing-vessel; MAS'TER-M[=A]'SON, a freemason who has attained the third degree; MAS'TER-MIND; MAS'TER-PASS'ION; MAS'TERPIECE, a piece of work worthy of a master: a work of superior skill: chief excellence; MAS'TERSHIP, the office of master: rule or dominion: superiority; MAS'TERSTROKE, a stroke or performance worthy of a master: superior performance; MAS'TER-WHEEL, the wheel in a machine which imparts motion to other parts; MAS'TER-WORK, work worthy of a master: masterpiece; MAS'TERWORT, a perennial umbelliferous herb, native to northern Europe, its root reputed as a stomachic, sudorific, diuretic, &c.; MAS'TERY, the power or authority of a master: dominion: victory: superiority: the attainment of superior power or skill.--MASTER OF CEREMONIES, OF THE ROLLS, &c. (see CEREMONIES, ROLLS, &c.); MASTER OF THE HORSE, the Roman _Magister Equitum_, an official appointed by the dictator to act next under himself: an equerry, esp. the exalted official bearing this name at the British court; MASTER OF THE TEMPLE, the preacher of the Temple Church in London; MASTERS OF THE SCHOOLS, at Oxford, the conductors of the first examination (_Responsions_) for the degree of B.A.--MASTERLY INACTIVITY, the position or part of a neutral or a Fabian combatant, carried out with diplomatic skill, so as to preserve a predominant influence without risking anything.--PASSED, or PAST, MASTER, one who has occupied the office of master, esp. among freemasons--hence any one known to possess ample knowledge of some subject; THE LITTLE MASTERS, a 16th-17th cent. group of followers of Dürer, notable for fine work on wood and copper; THE OLD MASTERS, a term applied collectively to the great painters about the time of the Renaissance, esp. the Italians.--BE MASTER OF ONE'S SELF, to have one's passions or emotions under control. [O. Fr. _maistre_ (Fr. _maître_)--L. _magister_, from root of _magnus_, great.]

MASTIC, MASTICH, mas'tik, _n._ a species of gum-resin from the lentisk-tree: a cement from mastic: the tree producing mastic. [Fr.,--L. _mastiche_--Gr. _mastich[=e]_--_mas-tizein_, to chew.]

MASTICATE, mas'ti-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to chew: to grind with the teeth.--_adj._ MAS'TICABLE, that may be chewed.--_ns._ MASTIC[=A]'TION, act or process of chewing; MASTIC[=A]'TOR, a machine for cutting up meat for people unable to chew: a machine used in purifying india-rubber.--_adj._ MAS'TICATORY, chewing: adapted for chewing.--_n._ a substance chewed to increase the saliva. [L. _mastic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_mastiche_, mastic.]

MASTICOT. Same as MASSICOT.

MASTIFF, mas'tif, _n._ a thick-set and powerful variety of dog much used as a watch-dog. [Skeat follows Scheler and Diez in explaining _mastiff_ as 'house-dog,' from an assumed O. Fr. _mastif_, prob. a variant of O. Fr. _mastin_ (Fr. _mâtin_)--Low L. _masnata_, a family--L. _mansion-em_, a house. Others explain as O. Fr. _mestif_ (Fr. _métif_), of mixed breed, mongrel, or O. Fr. _mestis_ (_métis_), mongrel, or even as the above O. Fr. mastin (Fr. mâtin), all, through Low L. forms, from L. _mixtus_, _mistus_, _misc[=e]re_, to mix.]

MASTITIS, mas-t[=i]'tis, _n._ inflammation of the mammary gland.--_n._ MASTODYN'IA, pain in the breast.--_adj._ MAS'TOID, like a nipple or teat: denoting a part or process of the temporal bone.--_n._ MASTOL'OGY, mammology. [Gr. _mastos_, a nipple.]

MASTODON, mas'to-don, _n._ a genus of extinct elephants, so named from the mamillary cusps or teat-like prominences on the molar teeth. [Gr. _mastos_, the breast, _odous_, _odontos_, a tooth.]

MASTURBATION, mas-tur-b[=a]'shun, _n._ self-defilement, onanism.--_v.i._ MAS'TURBATE, to commit self-abuse.--_n._ MAS'TURBATOR, one guilty of this. [L. _masturb[=a]ri_.]

MAT, mat, _n._ a texture of sedge, rushes, straw, &c. for cleaning the feet on: a web of rope-yarn: an ornamental border for a picture: a piece of cloth, &c. put below dishes on a table: anything like a mat in appearance, thick and closely set: any interwoven structure used as a revetment on river-banks, &c.: a sack of matting used to cover tea and coffee chests, such a sack containing a certain quantity of coffee: the closely-worked portion of lace: any annular pad to protect the head in bearing burdens.--_v.t._ to cover with mats: to interweave: to entangle:--_pr.p._ mat'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ mat'ted. [A.S. _meatta_--L. _matta_, a mat.]

MAT, mat, _adj._ and _n._ having a dull or dead surface, without lustre: an instrument by means of which such is produced.--_v.t._ to produce such a surface on metal. [Ger. _matt_, dull.]

MATADOR, MATADORE, mat-a-d[=o]r', _n._ the man who kills the bull in bull-fights: one of the three chief cards at ombre and quadrille. [Sp. _matador_--_matar_, to kill--L. _mact[=a]re_, to kill, to honour by sacrifice--_mactus_, honoured.]

MATAFUNDA, mat-a-fun'da, _n._ an old military engine which slung stones. [Low L., prob. Sp. _matar_, to kill, L. _funda_, a sling.]

MATCH, mach, _n._ a piece of inflammable material which easily takes or carries fire: a prepared rope for firing a gun, &c.: a lucifer.--_ns._ MATCH'-BOX, a box for holding matches; MATCH'LOCK, the lock of a musket containing a match for firing it: a musket so fired; MATCH'WOOD, wood cut down to a size suitable for making matches: wood broken into small pieces; QUICK'-MATCH, a match made of threads of cotton, and steeped in various inflammable substances so as to burn a yard in thirteen seconds; SAFE'TY-MATCH, a match which will only light when rubbed on a specially prepared surface; SLOW'-MATCH, a match made to burn at the rate of from four to five inches in an hour, for blasting, &c. [O. Fr. _mesche_ (Fr. _mèche_)--Low L. _myxus_--Gr. _myxa_, the snuff or wick of a lamp.]

MATCH, mach, _n._ anything which agrees with or suits another thing: an equal: one able to cope with another: a contest or game: a pairing, a marriage: one to be gained in marriage.--_v.i._ to be of the same make, size, &c., to correspond: to form a union with.--_v.t._ to be equal to, to set a counterpart to anything: to be able to compete with: to find an equal to: to set against as equal: to suit: to give in marriage.--_adj._ MATCH'ABLE.--_ns._ MATCH'BOARD, a board with a tongue cut along one edge and a groove in the opposite edge, their joining being called a MATCH'-JOINT; MATCH'ER.--_adj._ MATCH'LESS, having no match or equal: superior to all: peerless: unpaired.--_adv._ MATCH'LESSLY.--_ns._ MATCH'LESSNESS; MATCH'-MAK'ER, one who makes matches: one who plans to bring about marriages. [A.S. _gemæca_, _gemaca_, a mate, a wife.]

MATE, m[=a]t, _n._ a companion: an equal: one of a pair, the male or female of animals that go in pairs: in a merchant-ship the first-mate is the second in command--in the navy the term is now confined to petty-officers, such as _boatswain's mate_, _gunner's mate_, &c.: an assistant, deputy.--_v.t._ to be equal to: to become a companion to: to marry.--_adj._ MATE'LESS, without a mate or companion. [A.S. _ge-maca_; Ice. _maki_, an equal, from the same root as _make_. Cf. _match_. Prob. _mate_ in its naut. sense is Dutch--Old Dut. _maet_, mod. _maat_.]

MATE, m[=a]t, _n._ and _v.t._ in chess=_Checkmate_.

MATE, MATÉ, mä't[=a], _n._ a South American species of holly, the leaves and green shoots of which, dried and roughly ground, furnish the _yerba de mate_ of Paraguay and Brazil. [Sp. _mate_, orig. the vessel in which it was infused for drinking.]

MATE, m[=a]t, _v.t._ (_Bacon_) to weaken, to confound, to crush. [O. Fr. _mater_; cf. Sp. _matar_, to weaken.]

MATELASSE, mat-las'[=a], _adj._ and _n._ having a raised pattern on the surface as if quilted, of silks. [Fr. _matelas_, a mattress.]

MATELOTE, mat'e-l[=o]t, _n._ fish stewed with wine-sauce, onions, &c. [Fr. _matelot_, a sailor.]

MATEOLOGY, mat-[=e]-ol'o-ji, _n._ a foolish inquiry. [Gr. _mataios_, vain, _mat[=e]_, folly, _logia_, discourse.]

MATER, m[=a]'t[.e]r, _n._ a mother: one of the two membranes of the brain, outer and inner, separated by the arachnoid--the _dura mater_, or _dura_, and _pia mater_, or _pia_.--M[=A]'TER DOLOR[=O]'SA, the Virgin Mary represented as the sorrowing mother; M[=A]TERFAMIL'IAS, the mother of a family. [L.,--Gr. _m[=e]t[=e]r_.]

MATERIAL, ma-t[=e]'ri-al, _adj._ consisting of matter: corporeal, not spiritual: substantial: essential: important, esp. of legal importance: (_phil._) pertaining to matter and not to form, relating to the object as it exists.--_n._, esp. in _pl._, that out of which anything is to be made.--_n._ MATERIALIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ MAT[=E]'RIAL[=I]SE, to render material: to reduce to or regard as matter: to occupy with material interests.--_ns._ MAT[=E]'RIALISM, the doctrine that denies the independent existence of spirit, and maintains that there is but one substance--viz. matter--thus professing to find in matter (_monistic_ or _philosophical materialism_), or in material entities (_atomistic materialism_), or in material qualities and forces (scientific or physical materialism), a complete explanation of all life and existence whatsoever; MAT[=E]'RIALIST, one who holds the doctrine of materialism: one absorbed in material interests, who takes a low view of life and its responsibilities.--_adjs._ MATERIALIST'IC, -AL, pertaining to materialism.--_adv._ MAT[=E]'RIALLY.--_ns._ MAT[=E]'RIALNESS, MATERIAL'ITY.--MATERIAL BEING, existence in the form of matter; MATERIAL CAUSE, that which gives being to the thing; MATERIAL DISTINCTION, a distinction between individuals of the same species; MATERIAL EVIDENCE, evidence tending to prove or to disprove the matter under judgment; MATERIAL FALLACY, a fallacy in the matter or thought, rather than in the logical form; MATERIAL FORM, a form depending on matter; MATERIAL ISSUE (see ISSUE).--RAW MATERIAL, stuff as yet unworked into anything useful. [Fr.,--L. _materialis_--_materia_.]

MATERIA MEDICA, ma-t[=e]'ri-a med'i-ka, _n._ the various substances used in making up medicines: the science of the nature and use of substances used as medicines. [L. _materia_, material, _medicus_, medical.]

MATÉRIEL, ma-t[=a]-re-el', _n._ the totality of materials or instruments employed (as in an army), as distinguished from the _personnel_ or men--applied esp. to military stores, arms, baggage, horses, &c. [Fr.]

MATERNAL, ma-t[.e]r'nal, _adj._ belonging to a mother: motherly.--_adv._ MATER'NALLY.--_n._ MATER'NITY, the state, character, or relation of a mother: motherhood: a lying-in hospital. [Fr. _maternel_ (It. _maternale_)--L. _maternus_--_mater_, mother.]

MATH, math, _n._ a mowing.

MATHEMATIC, -AL, math-e-mat'ik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to, or done by, mathematics: very accurate.--_adv._ MATHEMAT'ICALLY.--_ns._ MATHEMATIC'IAN, one versed in mathematics; MATHEMAT'ICS, the science of magnitude and number, and of all their relations--usually divided into _Pure_, and _Mixed_ or _Applied_, the first including all deductions from the abstract, self-evident relations of magnitude and number--the second, the results arrived at by applying the principles so established to certain relations found by observation to exist among the phenomena of nature.--HIGHER MATHEMATICS, a term applied generally to all the scientifically treated branches of mathematics. [Fr. _mathématique_--L. _mathematica_--Gr. _math[=e]matik[=e]_ (_epist[=e]m[=e]_, skill, knowledge), relating to learning--_math[=e]ma_--_manthanein_, to learn.]

MATHESIS, ma-th[=e]'sis, _n._ mental discipline. [Gr.]

MATICO, ma-t[=e]'ko, _n._ a Peruvian shrub, used in medicine as a styptic and astringent.

MATIN, mat'in, _adj._ morning: used in the morning.--_n._ in _pl._ the daily morning service of the Church of England: one of the seven canonical hours, usually sung between midnight and daybreak.--_adj._ MAT'INAL.--_n._ MATINÉE (mat-i-n[=a]'), a musical entertainment or reception held in the day-time, usually in the afternoon: a woman's dress for wear in the forenoon or before dinner. [Fr.,--L. _matutinus_, belonging to the morning--_Matuta_, goddess of morning, prob. akin to _maturus_, early.]

MATRASS, mat'ras, _n._ a chemical vessel with a tapering neck, a cucurbit.

MATRIARCHY, m[=a]'tri-är-ki, _n._ government by a mother or by mothers, esp. a primitive order of society existing in many Indian tribes, in which the mother takes precedence of the father in tracing line of descent and in inheritance: descent in the female line.--_ns._ M[=A]'TRIARCH, a woman in whom matriarchy rests: a patriarch's wife.--_adj._ MATRIAR'CHAL.--_ns._ MATRIAR'CHALISM, the character of possessing matriarchal customs; MATRIAR'CHATE, the position of a matriarch. [Gr. _m[=e]t[=e]r_, mother, _archos_, a ruler.]

MATRICE, m[=a]'tris, _n._ Same as MATRIX.

MATRICIDE, mat'ri-s[=i]d, _n._ a murderer of one's own mother: the murder of one's own mother.--_adj._ MAT'RICIDAL [Fr.,--L. _matricida_, _matricidium_--_mater_, mother, _cæd[)e]re_, to kill.]

MATRICULATE, ma-trik'[=u]-l[=a]t, _v.t._ to admit to membership by entering one's name in a register, esp. in a college.--_v.i._ to become a member of a college, university, &c., by being enrolled.--_n._ one admitted to membership in a society.--_n._ MATRICUL[=A]'TION, act of matriculating: state of being matriculated. [Late L. _matricula_, a register, dim. of _matrix_.]

MATRIMONY, mat'ri-mun-i, _n._ union of husband and wife, marriage: state of marriage.--_adj._ MATRIM[=O]'NIAL, relating to, derived from, marriage.--_adj._ MATRIM[=O]'NIALLY. [O. Fr.,--L. _matrimonium_--_mater_.]

MATRIX, m[=a]'triks, or mat'riks, _n._ (_anat._) the cavity in which an animal is formed before its birth, the womb: the cavity in which anything is formed, a mould: (_mining_) earthy or stony substances in which minerals are found embedded: (_dyeing_) the five simple colours (black, white, blue, red, and yellow) from which all the others are formed: (_math._) a rectangular array of quantities, usually square--a multiple quantity having as many dimensions as it has spaces:--_pl._ MATRICES (m[=a]'tri-sez or mat'ri-sez). [L. _matrix_, _-icis_--_mater_, mother.]

MATRON, m[=a]'trun, _n._ an elderly married woman: an elderly lady of staid and sober habits: a head-nurse in a hospital, or a female superintendent in a school.--_ns._ M[=A]'TRONAGE, M[=A]'TRONHOOD, state of being a matron: a body of matrons.--_adj._ M[=A]'TRONAL, pertaining or suitable to a matron: motherly: grave.--_v.t._ M[=A]'TRONISE, to render matronly: to attend a lady to public places, as protector: to chaperon.--_adjs._ M[=A]'TRON-LIKE, M[=A]'TRONLY, like, becoming, or belonging to a matron: elderly: sedate.--_n._ MATRONYM'IC, a name derived from a mother or maternal ancestor--also _adj._ [Fr.,--L. _matrona_, a married lady--_mater_, mother.]

MATROSS, ma-tros', _n._ formerly a soldier set to help the gunners in an artillery train. [Dut. _matroos_--Fr. _matelot_, a sailor.]

MATTE, mat, _n._ a product of the smelting of sulphuretted ores.--Also _Regulus_ and _Coarse metal_. [Fr.,--Ger.]

MATTER, mat'[.e]r, _n._ that which occupies space, and with which we become acquainted by our bodily senses: that out of which anything is made: that which receiving a form becomes a substance: the subject or thing treated of: anything engaging the attention: that with which one has to do: cause of a thing: thing of consequence: something requiring remedy or explanation: any special allegation in law: importance: a measure, &c., of indefinite amount: (_print._) material for work, type set up: mere dead substance, that which is thrown off by a living body, esp. pus, or the fluid in boils, tumours, and festering sores.--_v.i._ to be of importance: to signify: to form or discharge matter in a sore:--_pr.p._ matt'ering; _pa.p._ matt'ered.--_adjs._ MATT'ERFUL, full of matter, pithy; MATT'ERLESS; MATT'ER-OF-FACT, adhering to the matter of fact: not fanciful: dry; MATT'ERY, significant: purulent.--MATTER OF COURSE, occurring in natural time and order, as a thing to be expected; MATTER OF FACT, really happening and not fanciful or supposed: not wandering beyond realities. [O. Fr. _matiere_--L. _materia_, matter.]

MATTING, mat'ing, _n._ a covering with mats: a texture like a mat, but larger: material for mats.

MATTINS. Same as MATINS, _pl._ of MATIN.

MATTOCK, mat'uk, _n._ a kind of pickaxe for loosening the soil, having the iron ends broad instead of pointed. [A.S. _mattuc_--W. _matog_.]

MATTRESS, mat'res, _n._ a bed made of a bag stuffed with wool, horse-hair, &c.: a mass of brushwood, &c., used to form a foundation for roads, &c., or for the walls of embankments, &c.--SPRING MATTRESS, a mattress in which springs of twisted wire are used to support the stuffed part; WIRE MATTRESS, one whose elasticity is produced by a sheet of tightly-stretched wire. [O. Fr. _materas_ (Fr. _matelas_)--Ar. _matrah_, a place where anything is thrown.]

MATURATE, mat'[=u]-r[=a]t, _v.t._ to make mature: (_med._) to promote the suppuration of.--_v.i._ (_med._) to suppurate perfectly.--_ns._ MAT'URANT, a maturative; MATUR[=A]'TION, a bringing or a coming to maturity: the process of suppurating fully.--_adj._ MAT[=U]'RATIVE, maturing or ripening: (_med._) promoting suppuration.--_n._ a medicine promoting suppuration. [L. _matur[=a]re_--_maturus_, ripe.]

MATURE, ma-t[=u]r', _adj._ grown to its full size: perfected: ripe: (_med._) come to suppuration: fully digested, as a plan.--_v.t._ to ripen: to bring to perfection: to prepare for use.--_v.i._ to become ripe: to become payable, as a bill.--_adj._ MATUR'ABLE, capable of being matured.--_adv._ MATURE'LY.--_ns._ MATURE'NESS, state or quality of being ripe or ready for use; MATUR'ITY, ripeness: a state of completeness or readiness for use. [L. _maturus_, ripe.]

MATURESCENT, mat-[=u]-res'ent, _adj._ becoming ripe: approaching maturity. [L. _maturesc[)e]re_, to become ripe--_maturus_.]

MATUTINAL, mat-[=u]-t[=i]'nal, _adj._ pertaining to the morning: happening early in the day.--Also MAT'UTINE. [L. _matutinalis_, _matutinus_. See MATIN.]

MAUD, mawd, _n._ a Scotch shepherd's woollen plaid.

MAUDLIN, mawd'lin, _adj._ silly: sickly-sentimental: fuddled, half-drunk: (_obs._) tearful.--_n._ MAUD'LINISM, the tearful stage of drink. [Contr. from M. E. _Maudelein_, which comes through O. Fr. and L. from Gr. _Magdal[=e]n[=e]_, the orig. sense being 'tearful from penitence,' hence 'with eyes red and swollen with weeping,' like Mary Magdalene, erroneously identified with the penitent woman of Luke vii. 37.]

MAUGRE, maw'g[.e]r, _prep._ in spite of.--_n._ (_obs._) ill-will: spite. [O. Fr. _malgré_--L._ male gratum_--_male,_ badly, _gratum_, agreeable.]

MAUL, mawl, _v.t._ to beat with a mall or a heavy stick: to injure greatly by beating.--_n._ a heavy wooden hammer: a struggle for the ball in football, when it has been carried across the goal-line, but has not yet been touched down. [_Mall_.]

MAULSTICK. See MAHL-STICK.

MAUMET, MAMMET. Same as MAWMET.

MAUND, mawnd, _n._ (_Shak_.) a basket. [A.S. _mand_.]

MAUND, mawnd, _n._ a measure of weight in India, its value varying in different places from about 25 to about 85 pounds avoirdupois. [Hind. _m[=a]n_.]

MAUNDER, mawn'd[.e]r, _v.i._ to beg: to whine like a beggar, to grumble: to mutter, to talk foolishly, to drivel.--_ns._ MAUN'DERER; MAUN'DERING, drivelling talk. [O. Fr. _mendier_, to beg--L. _mendic[=a]re_.]

MAUNDRIL, mawn'dril, _n._ a pick with two prongs.

MAUNDY, mawn'di, _n._ the religious ceremony of washing the feet of others, esp. of inferiors, in commemoration of Christ's washing His disciples' feet at the Last Supper--still practised in Austria by the emperor.--MAUNDY MONEY, the money given away on MAUNDY THURSDAY, the Thursday in Passion week, by the royal almoner, usually a penny for each year of the sovereign's reign--the small silver coins specially coined since 1662. [O. Fr. _mande_ (Fr. _mandé_)--L. _mand[=a]tum_, command, i.e. the 'new Commandment' of John, xiii. 34.]

MAURIST, maw'rist, _n._ a member of the reformed Benedictine Congregation of St _Maur_, settled from 1618 at the abbey of St _Maur_-sur-Loire, near Saumur, notable for its great services to learning.

MAUSER, mow'z[.e]r, _n._ a German magazine rifle, invented by Wilhelm _Mauser_ (1834-82).

MAUSOLEUM, maw-so-l[=e]'um, _n._ a magnificent tomb or monument.--_adj._ MAUSOL[=E]'AN, pertaining to a mausoleum: monumental. [L.,--Gr., _Maus[=o]leion_, from _Mausolus_, king of Caria, to whom his widow, Artemisia, erected a splendid tomb about 350 B.C.]

MAUTHER, mä'th[.e]r, _n._ an Eng. prov. form of mother.

MAUVE, mawv, _n._ a beautiful purple dye extracted from coal-tar, so called from its likeness in colour to the flowers of the common mallow.--_adj._ of the colour of mauve. [Fr.,--L. _malva_, the mallow.]

MAVERICK, mav'[.e]r-ik, _n._ (_U.S._) an animal found straying without an owner's brand, esp. a strayed calf: anything dishonestly obtained.--_v.t._ to seize without legal claim. [From Samuel _Maverick_, a Texas cattle-raiser.]

MAVIS, m[=a]'vis, _n._ the song-thrush. [Fr. _mauvis_; prob. from Bret. _milfid_, a mavis.]

MAVOURNEEN, ma-v[=oo]r'n[=e]n, _n._ and _interj._ a term of endearment=my dear one. [Ir.]

MAW, maw, _n._ the stomach, esp. in the lower animals: the craw, in birds.--_ns._ MAW'-SEED, poppy-seed, so called when used as food for cage birds; MAW'-WORM, the thread-worm infesting the stomach. [A.S. _maga_; Ger. _magen_.]

MAWKIN. Same as MALKIN (q.v.).

MAWKISH, mawk'ish, _adj._ loathsome, disgusting, as anything beginning to breed mawks or maggots.--_n._ MAWK, a maggot.--_adv._ MAWK'ISHLY.--_n._ MAWK'ISHNESS. [Explained by Skeat as formed, with suffix _-ish_, from M. E. _mawk_, _mauk_, a contr. form of M. E. _maðek_, a maggot--Ice. _maðkr_, a maggot.]

MAWMET, maw'met, _n_. a puppet: an idol--_Mohammed_.

MAX, maks, _n_. a kind of gin. [L. _maximus_, greatest.]

MAXILLARY, maks'il-ar-i, _adj_. pertaining to the jawbone or jaw.--_n_. a maxillary bone, or maxilla.--_n_. MAXILL'A, a jawbone.--_adjs_. MAXILLIF'EROUS; MAXILL'IFORM.--_n_. MAXILL'IPEDE, in crustacea, one of those limbs serving both for mastication and locomotion. [L. _maxilla_, jawbone.]

MAXIM, maks'im, _n_. a general principle, serving as a rule or guide: a pithy saying: a proverb.--_adjs_. MAX'IMAL; MAX'IMED, reduced to a maxim.--_ns_. MAX'IMIST, MAX'IM-MONG'ER. [Fr.,--L. _maxima_ (_sententia_, an opinion), superl. of _magnus_, great.]

MAXIM, maks'im, _n_. often put for MAX'IM-GUN, an automatic machine-gun capable of firing as many as 620 rounds per minute, and of accurate shooting up to 3000 yards. [From Hiram _Maxim_, the inventor.]

MAXIMUM, maks'i-mum, _adj_. the greatest.--_n_. the greatest number, quantity, or degree: the highest point reached: (_math_.) the value of a variable when it ceases to increase and begins to decrease:--_pl_. MAX'IMA:--opp. to _Minimum_.--_adj_. MAX'IMAL, of the highest or maximum value.--_adv_. MAX'IMALLY.--_v.t._ MAX'IMISE, to raise to the highest degree. [L., superl. of _magnus_, great.]

MAY, m[=a], _v.i._ to be able: to be allowed: to be free to act: to be possible: to be by chance: to be competent:--_pa.t._ might (m[=i]t).--_adv_. MAY'BE, perhaps, possibly.--_n_. a possibility.--_adv_. MAY'HAP, perhaps. [A.S. _mæg_, pr.t. of _mugan_, to be able, pa.t. _mihte_; cog. with Goth. _magan_, Ger. _mögen_.]

MAY, m[=a], _n_. the fifth month of the year: the early or gay part of life.--_v.i._ to gather _May_ (prov. Eng. the blossom of the hawthorn, which blooms in May):--_pr.p._ May'ing.--_ns_. MAY'-BEE'TLE, MAY'-BUG, the cockchafer; MAY'-BLOOM, the hawthorn flower; MAY'DAY, the first day of May; MAY'-DEW, the dew of May, esp. that of the morning of the first day of May, which is said to whiten linen, and to enable a face washed with it to keep its beauty; MAY'-DUKE, a variety of sour cherry; MAY'-FLOW'ER, the hawthorn, which blooms in May; MAY'FLY, a short-lived fly which appears in May; MAY'-GAME, sport such as is usual on 1st May, frolic generally; MAY'ING, the observance of Mayday sports and games; MAY'-L[=A]'DY, the queen of the May; MAY'-LIL'Y, the lily of the valley, so called because it blooms in May; MAY'-MORN (_Shak_.), freshness, like that of a morning in May, vigour; MAY'POLE, a pole erected for dancing round on Mayday; MAY'-QUEEN, a young woman crowned with flowers as queen on Mayday; MAY'TIME, May, the season of May. [O. Fr. _Mai_--L. _Maius_ (_mensis_, a month), sacred to _Maia_, the mother of Mercury.]

MAY, m[=a], _n_. a maid. [A.S. _m['æ]g_, a kinswoman.]

MAYA, mä'ya, _n_. an illusive appearance, esp. of a celestial maiden personifying the active will of the creator of the universe. [Hind.]

MAYHEM, m[=a]'hem, _n_. the offence of depriving a person by violence of any limb, member, or organ, or causing any mutilation of the body. [_Maim_.]

MAYONNAISE, m[=a]-on-[=a]z', _n_. a sauce composed of the yoke of eggs, salad-oil, and vinegar or lemon-juice, seasoned: any cold dish of which the foregoing is an ingredient, as lobster. [Fr.]

MAYOR, m[=a]'ur, _n_. the chief magistrate of a city or borough:--_fem_. MAY'ORESS.--_adj_. MAY'ORAL.--_ns_. MAY'ORALTY, MAY'ORSHIP, the office of a mayor. [Fr. _maire_--L. _major_, comp. of _magnus_, great.]

MAZARD, MAZZARD, maz'ard, _n_. (_Shak_.) a head or skull: a wild European cherry. [Prob. from _mazer_, from the likeness of the skull to a goblet.]

MAZARINADE, maz-a-rin-[=a]d', _n_. a pamphlet or satire against the French minister, Cardinal _Mazarin_ (1602-61).--_n_. MAZARINE', a rich blue colour: a blue gown.--MAZARIN BIBLE, the first printed Bible, printed by Gutenberg and Fust about 1450, so called because Cardinal _Mazarin_ possessed twenty-five copies.

MAZDA, maz'da, _n_. or AHURA MAZDÂH, the supreme deity and creator of the Zend-Avesta.--_adj_. MAZ'D[=E]AN.--_n_. MAZ'D[=E]ISM, the religious system of the Zend-Avesta, the ancient sacred writings of the Parsees, Zoroastrianism. [Zend _ahu_=the living, life, or spirit, root _ah_=to be; _Mazdâh_, the great Creator, _maz_+_dâ_=Sans. _mahâ_+_dhâ_.]

MAZE, m[=a]z, _n_. a place full of intricate windings: confusion of thought: perplexity.--_v.t._ to bewilder: to confuse.--_adjs_. MAZE'FUL (_Spens_.), MAZ'Y, full of mazes or windings: intricate.--_adv_. MAZ'ILY.--_n_. MAZ'INESS, state or quality of being mazy. [Scand., as in Ice. _masa_, to jabber.]

MAZER, maz'[.e]r, _n_. (_Spens_.) a kind of hard wood, probably maple: a cup or goblet made of maple, and usually highly ornamented. [Skeat explains as Ice. _mösurr_, a maple-tree, lit. 'spot-wood.']

MAZOURKA, MAZURKA, ma-z[=oo]r'ka, _n_. a lively Polish round dance for four or eight couples: the music such as is played to it.

ME, m[=e], _personal pron_. the objective case of I, including both the old English accusative and dative of the first personal pronoun. [A.S. _mé_.]

MEACOCK, m[=e]'kok, _adj_. (_Shak_.) timorous, effeminate, cowardly. [Perh. dim. of _meek_.]

MEAD, m[=e]d, _n_. honey and water fermented and flavoured. [A.S. _medu_; Ger. _meth_, W. _medd_.]

MEADOW, med'[=o], _n_. a level tract producing grass to be mown down: a rich pasture-ground--(_poet_.) MEAD.--_ns_. MEAD'OW-FOX'TAIL (see FOXTAIL); MEAD'OW-GRASS, the larger and more useful kinds of grass, grown in meadows for hay and pasture; MEAD'OW-HAY, a coarse grass or sedge growing in moist places, used as fodder or bedding; MEAD'OW-LARK, the American field-lark; MEAD'OW-SAFF'RON, the colchicum--also _Autumn-crocus_, or _Naked lady;_ MEAD'OW-SWEET, MEAD'OW-WORT, an ornamental shrub or plant with white flowers, called also _Queen of the meadow.--adj_. MEAD'OWY. [A.S. _m['æ]d_--_máwan_, to mow; Ger. _mahd_, a mowing, Swiss _matt_, a meadow, as in Zer_matt_, &c.]

MEAGRE, m[=e]'g[.e]r, _adj_. having little flesh: lean: poor: without richness or fertility: barren: scanty: without strength.--_adv_. MEA'GRELY.--_n_. MEA'GRENESS, state or quality of being meagre. [Fr. _maigre_--L. _macer_, lean; cf. Ger. _mager_.]

MEAL, m[=e]l, _n_. the food taken at one time: the act or the time of taking food: a breakfast, dinner, or supper.--_ns_. MEAL'ER, one who takes his meals at a boarding-house, lodging elsewhere; MEAL'-TIME, the time for meals.--SQUARE MEAL, a full meal. [A.S. _m['æ]l_, time, portion of time; Dut. _maal_, Ger. _mahl_.]

MEAL, m[=e]l, _n_. grain ground to powder.--_v.i._ to yield or be plentiful in meal.--_ns_. MEAL'-ARK (_Scot_.), a large chest for holding meal; MEAL'INESS; MEAL'-MAN, or MEAL'-MONG'ER, one who deals in meal; MEAL'-POCK, or -POKE, a beggar's meal-bag; MEAL'WORM, the larva of an insect abounding in granaries and flour-stores.--_adj_. MEAL'Y, resembling meal: covered with meal or with something like meal: whitish.--_n_. MEAL'Y-BUG, a small species of cochineal insect covered with a while powdery substance resembling meal or flour.--_adj_. MEAL'Y-MOUTHED, smooth-tongued.--_n_. MEAL'Y-MOUTHEDNESS. [A.S. _melu, melo;_ Ger. _mehl_, Dut. _meel_, meal.]

MEALIE, m[=e]l'i, _n_. an ear of maize or Indian corn, esp. in _pl_., maize.

MEAN, m[=e]n, _adj_. low in rank or birth: base: sordid: low in worth or estimation: of little value or importance: poor, humble: despicable.--_adj_. MEAN'-BORN, of humble origin.--_adv_. MEAN'LY.--_n._ MEAN'NESS, state or quality of being mean: want of nobility or excellence: a low action.--_adj_. MEAN'-SPIR'ITED, having a mean spirit, base.--_n_. MEAN'-SPIR'ITEDNESS. [A.S. _m['æ]ne_, wicked, from _mán_, wickedness; perh. conn. with A.S. _gem['æ]ne_, Ger. _gemein_, common.]

MEAN, m[=e]n, _adj_. middle: coming between two others in size, degree, quantity, time, &c.: average: moderate.--_n_. the middle point, quantity, value, or degree: (_math_.) a term interpolated between two terms of a series, and consequently intermediate in magnitude: (_mus_.) a middle voice or voice-part, as the tenor or alto, the second or third string in a viol: instrument or medium: (_pl_.) that by which anything is caused or brought to pass: income: estate: instrument.--_n_. MEAN'-TIME, the interval between two given times.--_advs_. MEAN'TIME, MEAN'WHILE, in the intervening time.--MEANS OF GRACE, divine ordinances, by which divine grace reaches the hearts of men--word and sacraments.--ARITHMETICAL MEAN, the average obtained by adding several quantities together and dividing the sum by their number; HARMONIC MEAN, the reciprocal of the arithmetical mean of the reciprocals of the quantities concerned; GEOMETRIC MEAN, the mean obtained by multiplying two quantities together and extracting the square root of the product; GOLDEN MEAN, the middle course between two extremes: a wise moderation; QUADRATIC MEAN, the square root of the arithmetical mean of the squares of the given quantities.--BY ALL MEANS, certainly; BY ANY MEANS, in any way; BY NO MEANS, certainly not.--IN THE MEAN (_Spens_.), in the meantime. [O. Fr. _meien_ (Fr. _moyen_)--L. _medianus_, enlarged form of _medius_.]

MEAN, m[=e]n, _v.t._ to have in the mind or thoughts: to intend, to purpose: to signify.--_v.i._ to have in the mind: to have meaning or disposition:--_pr.p._ mean'ing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ meant (ment).--_n_. MEAN'ING, that which is in the mind or thoughts: signification: the sense intended: purpose.--_adj_. significant.--_adj_. MEAN'INGLESS, without meaning.--_adv_. MEAN'INGLY. [A.S. _m['æ]nan_; Ger. _meinen_, to think.]

MEAN, m[=e]n, _v.i._ (_Shak_.) to lament, to moan.

MEANDER, m[=e]-an'd[.e]r, _n_. a winding course: a maze: an intricate variety of fretwork: perplexity.--_v.i._ to flow, run, or proceed in a winding course: to be intricate.--_v.t._ to wind or flow round.--_adjs._ MEAN'DERED, formed into mazy passages or patterns; MEAN'DERING, winding in a course; MEAN'DRIAN, MEAN'DROUS, winding.--_n_. a winding course. [L.,--Gr. _Maiandros_, a winding river in Asia Minor.]

MEANT, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of mean (_v.t._).

MEAR, m[=e]r, _n_. (_Spens_.) a boundary. [See MERE.]

MEASE, m[=e]s, or m[=e]z, _n_. a tale of 500 herrings.

MEASLES, m[=e]'zlz, _n.sing._ a contagious fever accompanied with eruptions of small red spots upon the skin: a disease of swine and cattle, caused by larval tapeworms: a disease of trees, the leaves being covered with spots.--_adjs_. MEA'SLED, MEA'SLY, infected with measles: good for nothing, miserable.--_n_. MEAS'LINESS.--GERMAN MEASLES, a name somewhat loosely used of a disease, resembling measles, but mostly less prolonged and severe. [Dut. _maselen_, measles, from Old Dut. _masche_, a spot, cog. with Old High Ger. _m[=a]s[=a]_, a spot; Ger. _masern_, measles.]

MEASURE, mezh'[=u]r, _n_. that by which extent is ascertained or expressed: the size of anything: a rule or standard by which anything is adjusted (_Apothecaries'_, _Cubic_, _Decimal_, _Dry_, _Liquid_, &c.): (_politics_) a proposal or plan by which some end can be brought about: proportion: a stated quantity: degree: extent: moderation: means to an end: metre: (_mus_.) that division of time, containing a specified number of beats, by which the air and motion of music are regulated: rate of movement, time, rhythm, metre, arrangement of syllables in poetry: a slow and stately dance, as the minuet: (_print_.) the width of a page or column, usually in _ems_: (_pl_., _geol_.) a series of beds or strata.--_v.t._ to ascertain the dimensions of: to adjust by a rule or standard: to mark out: to allot: to show a certain measurement.--_v.i._ to be of a certain size: to be equal or uniform.--_adj_. MEAS'URABLE, that may be measured or computed: moderate: in small quantity or extent.--_n._ MEAS'URABLENESS, the quality of being measurable.--_adv._ MEAS'URABLY.--_adjs._ MEAS'URED, of a certain measure: equal: uniform: steady: restricted; MEAS'URELESS, boundless: immense.--_ns._ MEAS'UREMENT, the act of measuring: quantity found by measuring--(MEASUREMENT GOODS, light goods carried for charges according to bulk, not weight); MEAS'URER, one who, or that which, measures.--_adj._ MEAS'URING, that measures, or fitted for measuring.--MEASURE ONE'S LENGTH, to fall or be thrown down at full length; MEASURE STRENGTH, to engage in a contest; MEASURE SWORDS, to fight with swords: to try one's skill against.--ABOVE, or BEYOND, MEASURE, to an exceedingly great degree; IN A MEASURE, to some degree.--TAKE MEASURES, to adopt means (to gain an end); TAKE ONE'S MEASURE, to find out what one is, and what he can or cannot do; TREAD A MEASURE, to dance; USE HARD MEASURES, to apply harsh treatment to; WITHIN MEASURE, moderately; WITHOUT MEASURE, immoderately. [O. Fr. _mesure_--L. _mensura_, a measure--_met[=i]ri_, to measure.]

MEAT, m[=e]t, _n._ anything eaten as food, the edible part of anything: act of taking meat: (_obs._) meal, flour: the flesh of animals used as food--sometimes beef, mutton, pork, veal, &c., as opposed to poultry, fish, &c.--_ns._ MEAT'-BIS'CUIT, a preparation of meat, made with meal into a biscuit; MEAT'INESS, quality of being meaty; MEAT'-OFF'ERING, a Jewish sacrificial offering of fine flour or first-fruits with oil and frankincense; MEAT'-PIE, a pie mainly made up of meat; MEAT'-SAFE, a receptacle for storing meat, walled with perforated zinc or gauze; MEAT'-SALES'MAN, one who sells meat, esp. to the retail butchers; MEAT'-TEA, a high tea, at which meat is served; MEAT'-TUB, a pickling-tub.--_adj._ MEAT'Y, full of meat: fleshy: pithy.--HANG MEAT, to hang up meat before cooking; SIT AT MEAT, to sit at table. [A.S. _mete_; Dut. _met_.]

MEATH, MEATHE, m[=e]th, _n._ a form of _mead_, liquor.

MEATUS, m[=e]-[=a]'tus, _n._ a passage or canal, as the urethral meatus.--_adj._ ME[=A]'TAL.--_n._ MEAT'OSCOPE, an instrument for examining the urethral or other meatus. [L. _me[=a]tus_--_me[=a]re_, to go.]

MEAZEL, m[=e]'zl, _n._ (_Shak._) a leper. [_Measles_.]

MECHANIC, -AL, me-kan'ik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to machines or mechanics: constructed according to the laws of mechanics: possessing mechanical talent: acting by physical power: done by a machine: pertaining to artisans: done simply by force of habit, slavish, artificial: vulgar.--_n._ MECHAN'IC, one engaged in a mechanical trade: an artisan--(_Shak._) MECHAN'ICAL.--_adv._ MECHAN'ICALLY.--_ns._ MECHANIC'IAN, MECH'ANIST, a machine-maker: one skilled in mechanics; MECHAN'ICS, the science which treats of machines: the science which treats of the nature of forces and of their action on bodies, either directly or by the agency of machinery.--_v.t._ MECH'ANISE, to make mechanical: to work out the details of a machine.--_ns._ MECH'ANISM, the construction of a machine: the arrangement and action of its parts, by which it produces a given result; MECH'ANOGRAPH, a copy, esp. of a work of art produced by a mechanical process on a machine.--_adj._ MECH'ANOGRAPHIC.--_ns._ MECHANOG'RAPHIST; MECHANOG'RAPHY, the art of multiplying copies of a writing or work of art by means of a machine; MECHANOL'OGY, a treatise on mechanics: the knowledge of such.--MECHANICAL EFFECT, work produced by the use of mechanical power; MECHANICAL PHILOSOPHY, the principles of mechanics applied to solve questions or phenomena involving force; MECHANICAL POWERS, the elementary forms or parts of machines--three _primary_, the lever, inclined plane, and pulley; and three _secondary_, the wheel-and-axle, the wedge, and the screw.--MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, an institution for mechanics, with lectures, library, museum, &c. [O. Fr.,--L. _mechanicus_; Gr. _m[=e]chanikos_--_m[=e]chane_, a contrivance.]

MECHLIN, meh'lin, _adj._ and _n._ produced at _Mechlin_ or Malines: lace made at Mechlin.

MECONIC, me-kon'ik, _adj._ denoting an acid obtained from poppies.--_ns._ MEC'ONATE, a salt of meconic acid; MEC'ONINE, a white, fusible, neutral substance existing in opium; MEC[=O]'NIUM, the first fæces of a new-born child: opium. [Gr. _m[=e]k[=o]n_, the poppy.]

MEDAL, med'al, _n._ a piece of metal in the form of a coin bearing some device or inscription, struck or cast: a reward of merit.--_v.t._ to decorate with a medal.--_n._ MED'ALET, a small medal, esp. the representation of saints, worn by Roman Catholics.--_adj._ MEDALL'IC, pertaining to medals.--_ns._ MEDALL'ION, a large medal: a bas-relief of a round (sometimes a square) form: a round ornament enclosing a portrait or lock of hair; MED'ALLIST, MED'ALIST, one skilled in medals: an engraver of medals: one who has gained a medal; MED'ALLURGY, the art of producing medals and coins. [O. Fr. _medaille_--It. _medaglia_; through a Low L. form _medalla_ or _medalia_, a small coin, from L. _metallum_, a metal.]

MEDDLE, med'l, _v.i._ to interfere unnecessarily (_with_ or _in_): to take part in a matter with which one has nothing to do: to have to do (_with_).--_n._ MEDD'LER, one who interferes with matters in which he has no concern.--_adj._ MEDD'LESOME, given to meddling.--_n._ MEDD'LESOMENESS.--_adj._ MEDD'LING, interfering in the concerns of others: officious--also _n._ [O. Fr. _medler_, a corr. of _mesler_ (Fr. _mêler_)--Low L. _misculare_--L. _misc[=e]re_, to mix.]

MEDIA. See MEDIUM.

MEDIÆVAL, MEDIÆVALIST. See MEDIEVAL.

MEDIAL, m[=e]'di-al, _adj._ lying between two extremes, median: of or pertaining to a mean or average.--_n._ one of the sonant-mute group, _g_, _d_, _b_, intermediate between the surd or smooth group (_c_, _t_, _p_) and the rough or aspirate group (_gh_, _dh_, _bh_, _kh_, _th_, _ph_). [Low L. _medialis_--L. _medius_, middle.]

MEDIAN, m[=e]'di-an, _adj._ being in the middle, running through the middle: situated in the median plane, that dividing the body longitudinally into symmetrical halves.--_adv._ MED'IANLY.--_n._ MED'IANT (_mus._), the third tone of a diatonic scale. [L. _medianus_--_medius_, middle.]

MEDIAN, m[=e]'di-an, _adj._ pertaining to _Media_ or the _Medes_, an ancient Aryan race which became fused with the Persians under the victorious Cyrus about 550 B.C.--_n._ MEDE, a member of this race.

MEDIASTINUM, m[=e]-di-as-t[=i]'num, _n._ a membranous septum or cavity between two principal portions of an organ, esp. the folds of the pleura and the space between the right and left lungs.--_adj._ MEDIAST[=I]'NAL. [L., _medius_.]

MEDIATE, m[=e]'di-[=a]t, _adj._ middle: between two extremes: acting by or as a means: not direct and independent: dependent on some intervening thing.--_v.i._ to interpose between parties as a friend of each: to intercede: to hold a mediate position: to act as a spiritualistic medium.--_v.t._ to bring about by mediation: to effect a relation between two things.--_n._ M[=E]'DIACY.--_adv._ M[=E]'DIATELY.--_ns._ M[=E]'DIATENESS, state of being mediate; MEDI[=A]'TION, the act of mediating or coming between: entreaty for another; MEDIATIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ M[=E]'DIAT[=I]SE, to cause to act in a subordinate position or through an agent: to annex, or to subordinate, as a smaller state to a larger neighbouring one.--_adj._ M[=E]'DIATIVE.--_n._ M[=E]'DIATOR, one who mediates between parties at strife:--_fem._ MEDIAT'RESS, M[=E]'DIATRIX.--_adj._ MEDIAT[=O]'RIAL, belonging to a mediator or intercessor.--_adv._ MEDIAT[=O]'RIALLY.--_n._ MEDIAT'ORSHIP, the office of a mediator.--_adj._ M[=E]'DIATORY. [Low L. _medi[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--L. _medius_.]

MEDIC, med'ik, _n._ one of several plants of the genus _Medicago_, esp. the purple medic or lucerne--leguminous plants, with leaves like those of clover.--Also MED'ICK. [L. _medica_--Gr. _m[=e]dik[=e]_ (_poa_), 'median' (grass).]

MEDICAL, med'i-kal, _adj._ relating to the art of healing diseases: containing that which heals: intended to promote the study of medicine.--_adv._ MED'ICALLY.--MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE (see JURISPRUDENCE). [Fr.,--Low L. _medicalis_--L. _medicus_, pertaining to healing, a physician--_med[=e]ri_, to heal.]

MEDICATE, med'i-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to treat with medicine: to impregnate with anything medicinal.--_adj._ MED'ICABLE, that may be healed.--_n._ MED'ICAMENT, anything used for healing: a medicine: healing power.--_adj._ MEDICAMEN'TAL.--_n._ MED'ICASTER, an ignorant physician.--_adj._ MED'ICATED, mixed with medicine: made medicinal: treated with medicine.--_n._ MEDIC[=A]'TION, the act or process of medicating or of mixing with medicinal substances: the use of medicine.--_adj._ MED'ICATIVE, having the power of healing: tending to heal.--_n._ MEDIC[=A]'TOR, any medical appliance. [L. _medic[=a]re_, to heal--_medicus_.]

MEDICEAN, med-i-s[=e]'an, _adj._ relating to the _Medici_, a distinguished Florentine family which attained to sovereign power in the 15th century, and became extinct in 1737.

MEDICINE, med'i-sin, or med'sin, _n._ anything applied for the cure or lessening of disease or pain, whether simple or compound (made up of more than one ingredient): the science which treats of the prevention or cure of disease: a charm.--_v.t._ to treat or cure by medicine.--_adj._ MEDIC'INAL, relating to medicine: fitted to cure or to lessen disease or pain.--_adv._ MEDIC'INALLY.--_ns._ MED'ICINE-BAG, a Red Indian's receptacle for charms; MED'ICINE-CHEST, a chest for keeping medicines in a ship, &c.; MED'ICINE-MAN, among savages, a witch-doctor or exorciser.--_adjs._ MED'ICO-CHIRUR'GICAL, relating to both medicine and surgery; MED'ICO-L[=E]'GAL, relating to the application of medicine to questions of law. [Fr.,--L. _medicina_--_medicus_.]

MEDIEVAL, MEDIÆVAL, m[=e]-di-[=e]'val, _adj._ relating to the Middle Ages.--_ns._ MEDI[=E]'VALISM, the spirit of the Middle Ages, devotion to medieval ideals; MEDI[=E]'VALIST, MEDIÆ'VALIST, one versed in the history of the Middle Ages.--MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE, MEDIEVAL ART, the style of architecture and art used in public buildings in Europe from the 4th to the 16th century. [L. _medius_, middle, _ævum_, age.]

MEDIO-, MEDI-, middle, in compounds like _mediocarpal_, _mediodorsal_, _mediotarsal_, _medioventral_. [L. _medius_, middle.]

MEDIOCRE, m[=e]'di-[=o]-k[.e]r, _adj._ of middling extent or quality: moderate.--_n._ MEDIOC'RITY, a middle state or condition: a moderate degree: a person of little power or importance. [Fr.,--L. _mediocris_--_medius_, middle.]

MEDISM, m[=e]d'izm, _n._ the adoption of Persian interests--to a Greek, a treachery to his country.

MEDITATE, med'i-t[=a]t, _v.i._ to consider thoughtfully: to purpose (with on, upon).--_v.t._ to think on: to revolve in the mind: to intend.--_adj._ MED'ITATED, thought of: planned.--_n._ MEDIT[=A]'TION, the act of meditating: deep thought: serious contemplation: the direction of the thoughts of others, in a discourse, &c.: a literary or musical theme treated in a meditative manner.--_adj._ MED'ITATIVE, given to meditation: expressing design.--_adv._ MED'ITATIVELY.--_n._ MED'ITATIVENESS. [L. _medit[=a]ri_, prob. cog. with L. _med[=e]ri_, to heal.]

MEDITERRANEAN, med-i-t[.e]r-r[=a]'ne-an, _adj._ situated in the middle of earth or land: inland--also MEDITERR[=A]'NEOUS.--MEDITERRANEAN SEA, so called from being, as it were, in the middle of the land of the Old World. [L., _medius_, middle, _terra_, earth.]

MEDIUM, m[=e]'di-um, _n._ the middle: the middle place or degree: any intervening means, instrument, or agency: the substance in which bodies exist, or through which they move: in spiritualism, the person through whom spirits are said to make themselves seen or heard:--_pl._ M[=E]'DIUMS, or M[=E]'DIA.--_adjs._ M[=E]'DIUM, mediocre; MEDIUMIS'TIC, of or pertaining to spiritualistic mediums.--CIRCULATING MEDIUM, money passing from hand to hand, as coin, bank-notes, &c. [L.]

MEDIUS, m[=e]'di-us, _n._ the middle finger of the hand.

MEDJIDIE, me-jid'i-e, _n._ a Turkish order of knighthood instituted in 1852, having five classes. [Turk. _mej[=i]d_, glorious.]

MEDLAR, med'lar, _n._ a small tree of the rose family, or its fruit. [O. Fr. _meslier_, a medlar-tree--L. _mespilum_--Gr. _mespilon_.]

MEDLEY, med'li, _n._ a mingled and confused mass: a miscellany: a song or piece of music made up of bits from various sources continuously: a cloth woven from yarn of different colours: (_obs._) a mêlée, fight. [O. Fr. _medler_, _mesler_, to mix.]

MÉDOC, me-dok', _n._ a French wine produced in the district of _Médoc_, department of Gironde.

MEDORRHEA, m[=e]-dor-[=e]'a, _n._ mucous discharge from the genitals. [Gr. _m[=e]dos_, bladder, _rhoia_, a flowing.]

MEDULLA, me-dul'a, _n._ the inner portion of an organ or part, as the pith of a hair, spinal cord, or its continuation within the cranium, (_medulla oblongata_): the pith of a plant, the thallus in lichens, &c.--_adjs._ MEDULL'AR, -Y, consisting of, or resembling, marrow or pith; MED'ULLATED, provided with a medullary sheath.--_n._ MEDULL'IN, the cellulose in the medulla of plants like the lilac.--_adj._ MED'ULLOSE, like pith.--MEDULLARY RAYS, the bands of cells in various trees extending across the wood from the pith to the bark; MEDULLARY SHEATH (_bot._), a thin layer surrounding the pith. [L. _medulla_, marrow.]

MEDUSA, me-d[=u]'sa, _n._ one of the three Gorgons, whose head, cut off by Perseus, and placed in the ægis of Minerva, had the power of turning those who looked on it into stone: the name given to the common kinds of jelly-fishes, prob. from the likeness of their tentacles to the snakes on Medusa's head:--_pl._ MED[=U]'SÆ, a division of hydrozoans.--_adjs._ MED[=U]'SIFORM, MED[=U]'SOID--also _ns._ [Gr., 'ruler,' fem.]

MEED, m[=e]d, _n._ wages: reward: what is bestowed for merit. [A.S. _méd_, _meord_; Ger. _miethe_.]

MEEK, m[=e]k, _adj._ mild and gentle of temper: submissive.--_adv._ MEEK'LY.--_n._ MEEK'NESS, state or quality of being meek. [Ice. _mjúkr_; Dut. _muik_.]

MEER, m[=e]r, _n._ a form of _mere_.

MEERSCHAUM, m[=e]r'shawm, _n._ a fine light whitish clay making excellent tobacco-pipes--once supposed to be a petrified sea-scum: a pipe made of this material. [Ger. _meer_, sea, _schaum_, foam.]

MEET, m[=e]t, _adj._ fitting: qualified.--_adv._ MEET'LY.--_n._ MEET'NESS. [A.S. _ge-met_--_metan_, to measure.]

MEET, m[=e]t, _v.t._ to come face to face: to encounter in conflict: to find or experience; to refute: be suitable to: satisfy, as by payment: to receive as a welcome.--_v.i._ to come together from different points: to assemble: to have an encounter: to balance or come out correct:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ met.--_n._ a meeting, as of huntsmen.--_ns._ MEET'ING, a coming face to face for friendly or hostile ends: an interview: an assembly: a crossing of two roads: a junction of two rivers; MEET'ING-HOUSE, a house or building where people, esp. Dissenters, meet for public worship; RACE'-MEET'ING, a stated occasion for horse-racing.--MEET HALF-WAY, to make mutual concessions; MEET THE EAR, or EYE, to be told, or shown, anything distinctly: to be readily apparent; MEET WITH, to come to or upon, esp. unexpectedly: (_Bacon_) to obviate (as an objection).--WELL MET, an old complimentary greeting. [A.S. _métan_, to meet--_mót_, _ge-mót_, a meeting.]

MEGACEPHALOUS, meg-a-sef'a-lus, _adj._ large-headed.

MEGAFARAD, meg'a-far-ad, _n._ in electrometry, a unit equal to a million farads.

MEGALICHTHYS, meg-a-lik'this, _n._ a genus of extinct ganoid fishes. [Gr. _megas_, _megal[=e]_, great, _ichthys_, a fish.]

MEGALITH, meg'a-lith, _n._ a huge stone.--_adj._ MEGALITH'IC. [Gr. _megas_, great, _lithos_, a stone.]

MEGALOMANIA, meg-a-l[=o]-m[=a]'ni-a, _n._ the delusion that one is great or powerful. [Gr. _megas_, great, _mania_.]

MEGALOSAURUS, meg-a-l[=o]-saw'rus, _n._ a gigantic extinct reptile of carnivorous habits.--_adj._ MEGALOSAU'RIAN. [Gr. _megas_, _megal[=e]_, great, _sauros_, a lizard.]

MEGAPHONE, meg'a-f[=o]n, _n._ an appliance for making words audible--a form of speaking-trumpet.

MEGAPODIDÆ, meg-a-pod'i-d[=e], _n._ mound-birds (q.v.).

MEGASCOPE, meg'a-sk[=o]p, _n._ a form of solar microscope for throwing enlarged images on a screen: (_phot._) an enlarging camera.

MEGATHERIUM, meg-a-th[=e]'ri-um, _n._ a gigantic extinct quadruped of the order _Edentata_, found in the pampas of South America. [Gr. _megas_, great, _th[=e]rion_, wild beast.]

MEGILP, me-gilp'. See MAGILP.

MEGOHM, meg'[=o]m, _n._ a unit of electrical resistance, equal to one million ohms. [Gr. _megas_, great, and _ohm_.]

MEGRIM, m[=e]'grim, _n._ a pain affecting only one half of the head or face: lowness of spirits: a sudden sickness of a horse at work. [Fr. _migraine_--Gr. _h[=e]micrania_--_h[=e]mi_, half, _kranion_, skull.]

MEINY, m[=e]'ni, _n._ (_Shak._) a retinue or company of servants attending upon a person of high rank. [O. Fr. _mesnie_, a company, through Low L. forms, from L. _mansio_, a dwelling.]

MEIOCENE. Same as MIOCENE.

MEIOSIS, m[=i]-[=o]'sis, _n._ (_rhet._) a figure of speech representing a thing as less than it is. [Gr.]

MEISTERSINGER, m[=i]s't[.e]r-sing'[.e]r, _n._ one of the burgher poets and musicians of Germany in the 14th-16th centuries, the successors of the Minnesingers. [Ger.]

MELAMPODE, mel-am'p[=o]d, _n._ (_Spens._) the black hellebore. [Gr.]

MELANÆMIA, mel-a-n[=e]'mi-a, _n._ a morbid condition of the blood in which the vessels contain an unusual quantity of dark colouring matter.

MELANCHOLY, mel'an-kol-i, _n._ continued depression of spirits: dejection: a gloomy state of mind causing groundless fears: (_Milt._) pensiveness.--_adj._ gloomy: producing grief.--_n._ MELANCH[=O]'LIA, a form of insanity, in which there is continued depression or pain of mind.--_adjs._ MELANCHOL'IC, MELANCH[=O]'LIOUS, affected with, or caused by, melancholy: dejected: mournful. [Through Fr.,--L.,--Gr. _melancholia_--_melan_, black, _chol[=e]_, bile.]

MELANGE, m[=a]-longzh', _n._ a mixture: a medley. [Fr.]

MELANIC, me-lan'ik, _adj._ black.--_n._ MEL'ANISM, an undue development of colouring matter in the skin and its appendages.--_adj._ MELANIS'TIC.--_n._ MEL'ANITE, a deep-black variety of garnet.--_adjs._ MELANOCHR[=O]'IC, MELANOCH'R[=O]OUS, dark-coloured; MEL'ANOID, dark-looking.--_n._ MELAN[=O]'SIS, an abnormal deposition of pigmentary matter in such organs as the spleen, liver, &c.: the condition of the system associated with such, black degeneration.--_adjs._ MELANOT'IC; MEL'ANOUS, dark-complexioned.--_n._ MELAN[=U]'RIA, the presence of a dark pigment in the urine.--_adj._ MELAN[=U]'RIC.--_ns._ MEL'APHYRE, a pre-Tertiary basalt, usually altered; MELAS'MA, a skin disease showing dark discolouration in spots.

MÊLÉE, m[=a]-l[=a]', _n._ a fight in which the combatants are mingled together: a confused conflict: an affray. [Fr.,--_mêler_, to mix.]

MELIBEAN, MELIBOEAN, mel-i-b[=e]'an, _adj._ in poetry, alternately responsive--from the name of a shepherd in Virgil's first eclogue.

MELIC, mel'ik, _adj._ pertaining to song.

MELILOT, mel'i-lot, _n._ a genus of clover-like plants with white or yellow flowers and a peculiar sweet odour. [Gr. _melil[=o]tos_--_meli_, honey, _l[=o]tos_, lotus.]

MELINITE, m[=a]'lin-[=i]t, _n._ an explosive of great force obtained from picric acid. [Fr.]

MELIORATE, m[=e]'lyo-r[=a]t, _v.t._ to make better.--_v.i._ to grow better.--_ns._ MELIOR[=A]'TION, the act of making or becoming better; MELIOR[=A]'TOR, an improver; M[=E]'LIORISM, the doctrine that the world is capable of improvement, as opposed to _Optimism_ and _Pessimism_; M[=E]'LIORIST, one who holds this doctrine; MELIOR'ITY, the state of being better: betterness. [L. _melior[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to make better.]

MELIPHAGOUS, mel-if'a-gus, _adj._ feeding upon honey. [Gr. _meli_, honey, _phagein_, to eat.]

MELL, mel, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to mingle: to be concerned with: to meddle. [_Meddle_.]

MELLAY, mel'[=a], _n._ another form of _mêlée_.

MELLIFEROUS, mel-if'[.e]r-us, _adj._ honey-producing.--_adj._ MELLIF'IC, honey-making.--_ns._ MELLIFIC[=A]'TION, the production of honey; MELLIF'LUENCE, a flow of sweetness: a smooth sweet flow.--_adjs._ MELLIF'LUENT, MELLIF'LUOUS, flowing with honey or sweetness: smooth.--_advs._ MELLIF'LUENTLY, MELLIF'LUOUSLY.--_adj._ MELLIG'ENOUS, producing honey.--_n._ MELL'ITE, honey stone.--_adjs._ MELLIT'IC; MELLIV'OROUS, eating honey. [L. _mellifer_--_mel_, honey, _ferre_, to bear.]

MELLOW, mel'[=o], _adj._ soft and ripe: well matured: soft to the touch, palate, ear, &c.: genial: half-tipsy.--_v.t._ to soften by ripeness or age: to mature.--_v.i._ to become soft: to be matured.--_adv._ MELL'OWLY.--_n._ MELL'OWNESS, softness: maturity.--_adj._ MELL'OWY, soft: friable. [A.S. _mearu_, soft; Dut. _murw_, _mollig_, L. _mollis_, Gr. _malakos_.]

MELOCOTON, mel'[=o]-kot-on, _n._ (_Bacon_) a quince: a large kind of peach.--Also MEL'OCOTOON. [Late L. _melum cotoneum_ (a corr. of _Cydonium_), a quince, lit. apple of _Cydonia_, in Crete.]

MELODRAMA, mel-o-dram'a, _n._ a kind of romantic and sensational drama, formerly largely intermixed with songs--also MEL'ODRAME.--_adj._ MELODRAMAT'IC, of the nature of melodrama: overstrained: sensational.--_n._ MELODRAM'ATIST, a writer of melodramas. [Gr. _melos_, a song, _drama_, a play.]

MELODY, mel'o-di, _n._ an air or tune: music: an agreeable succession of single musical sounds, as distinguished from _harmony_ or the concord of a succession of simultaneous sounds.--_n._ MEL[=O]'DEON, a small reed organ: an improved variety of the accordeon.--_adj._ MELOD'IC--_n.pl._ MELOD'ICS, the branch of music concerned with melody.--_adj._ MEL[=O]'DIOUS, full of melody: agreeable to the ear.--_adv._ MEL[=O]'DIOUSLY.--_n._ MEL[=O]'DIOUSNESS.--_v.t._ MEL'ODISE, to make melodious: to reduce to the form of a melody.--_v.i._ to compose or sing melodies.--_n._ MEL'ODIST. [Fr.,--Late L.--Gr. _mel[=o]dia_--_melos_, a song, _[=o]d[=e]_, a lay.]

MELON, mel'un, _n._ a kind of cucumber and its fruit, which in shape resembles an apple. [Fr.,--L. _melo_, _-onis_--Gr. _m[=e]lon_, an apple.]

MELPOMENE, mel-pom'e-ne, _n._ the Muse of tragedy. [Gr. _melpom[)e]n[=e]_, songstress.]

MELROSE, mel'r[=o]z, _n._ honey of roses.

MELT, melt, _v.t._ to make liquid, to dissolve: to soften: to waste away.--_v.i._ to become liquid: to dissolve: to become tender or mild: to lose distinct form: to be discouraged:--_pa.p._ melted, or molten.--_n._ MELT'ING, the act of making liquid or of dissolving: the act of softening or rendering tender.--_adv._ MELT'INGLY.--_n._ MELT'ING-POT, a crucible. [A.S. _meltan_; Ice. _melta_, Gr. _meldein_.]

MELTON, mel'ton, _n._ a strong cloth for men's wear, the surface without nap, neither pressed nor finished.

MEMBER, mem'b[.e]r, _n._ an integral part of a whole, esp. a limb of an animal: a clause: one of a society: a representative in a legislative body.--_adj._ MEM'BERED, having limbs.--_n._ MEM'BERSHIP, the state of being a member or one of a society: the members of a body regarded as a whole.--_adj._ MEM'BRAL, pertaining to the limbs rather than the trunk. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, a member of the House of Commons, M.P. [Fr. _membre_--L. _membrum_.]

MEMBRANE, mem'br[=a]n, _n._ (_anat._) one of the thin textures which cover the organs or line the cavities or canals of the body: the film containing the seeds of a plant.--_adjs._ MEMBRAN'EOUS, MEM'BRANOUS, MEMBRAN[=A]'CEOUS, relating to, consisting of, or like a membrane; MEMBRANIF'EROUS; MEM'BRANIFORM.--MUCOUS MEMBRANE, the membrane lining the various channels of the body which communicate with the outside. [Fr.,--L. _membrana_--_membrum_.]

MEMENTO, me-men't[=o], _n._ something to awaken memory: a reminder of what is past or of what is yet to come:--_pl._ MEMEN'TOS.--MEMENTO MORI, remember death: an ornament by its form reminding one of death. [L., imper. of _meminisse_, to remember.]

MEMNON, mem'non, _n._ a hero who fought for Troy against the Greeks: a statue at Thebes in Egypt which gave out a musical sound at sunrise. [Gr.]