Glossary
If you are looking for a word and it doesn't appear in the Glossary, this will be because it has the same sense in Modern English, and can be found in any general dictionary. We only include words that no longer exist in Modern English, have changed their meaning since Shakespeare's day, or have an encyclopedic or specialized sense that would make them unfamiliar to many modern readers. Under this last heading, we include all the proper names (such as figures in classical mythology and local place-names) listed in our Themes and Topics (see Starting Points above).

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Mab, Queen
midwife to the fairies see also Non-classical legend, romance, and folklore Headword location(s)
mace (n.)
staff of office, official sceptre Headword location(s)
Machiavel (n.) Old form(s): Machiuell
[pron: 'machiavel] master of intrigue, political schemer; Machiavelli was a 16th-c Italian political theorist see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
machination (n.)
plotting, intrigue, scheming Headword location(s)
machine (n.)
body, human frame Headword location(s)
machine (n.)
show, entertainment; or: device Headword location(s)
maculate (adj.)
impure, spotted, stained Headword location(s)
maculation (n.)
stain, sport, defilement Headword location(s)
mad (adj.)
wild, uncontrollable, excitable, high-spirited Headword location(s)
mad (adj.)
strange, bizarre, weird Headword location(s)
mad (adj.)
wild, faithless, inconstant Headword location(s)
mad (adj.)
angry, furious, beside oneself Headword location(s)
mad (v.)
madden, excite, provoke Headword location(s)
mad (v.)
madden, exasperate, infuriate Headword location(s)
madam (n.) Old form(s): Madames
high-ranking lady Headword location(s)
mad-bred (adj.)
produced by madness Headword location(s)
madcap (adj.) Old form(s): Mad-Cap
reckless, impulsive, wildly behaved Headword location(s)
madcap (n.) Old form(s): mad-cap
mad-brained fellow, lunatic Headword location(s)
madded (adj.)
maddened Headword location(s)
madding (adj.)
becoming mad, frenzied Headword location(s)
madding (adj.)
driving one mad, provoking madness Headword location(s)
madding (n.)
maddening, incensing, provocation Headword location(s)
made (adj.)
with success assured, with fortune made Headword location(s)
made (adj.)
resolved, framed, decided Headword location(s)
made up, made-up (adj.) Old form(s): vp
finished off, put together Headword location(s)
made up, made-up (adj.) Old form(s): made-vp
accomplished, consummate, out-and-out Headword location(s)
madonna (n.) Old form(s): Madona
my lady, madam Headword location(s)
madrigal (n.)
song, pleasant tune Headword location(s)
maggot-pie (n.) Old form(s): Maggot Pyes
magpie Headword location(s)
magic (n.) Old form(s): Magicke
special power Headword location(s)
magistrate (n.)
member of the government, leader of the community Headword location(s)
magnanimious (adj.)
of great spirit, nobly valiant Headword location(s)
magnanimity (n.) Old form(s): Magnanimitie
greatness of spirit, nobleness of heart Headword location(s)
magnanimous (adj.)
valiant, heroic, courageous Headword location(s)
magni...
master of the great heavens, do you so calmly hear crimes, so calmly see them see also Latin Headword location(s)
magnificent (adj.)
grand, stately, majestic Headword location(s)
magnifico (n.)
Venetian leader Headword location(s)
Mahomet (n.)
the prophet Mohammed; founder of Islam, 7th-c see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
Mahu (n.)
[pron: 'mahhu] in Christian tradition, the name of a devil see also Religious personalities and beings Headword location(s)
maid (n.) Old form(s): maide
virgin, unmarried woman Headword location(s)
maid (n.) Old form(s): Mayd
human, mortal [woman] Headword location(s)
maid (n.)
handmaid, servant, attendant Headword location(s)
maid (n.)
young fish Headword location(s)
Maid Marian
woman loved by Robin Hood see also Non-classical legend, romance, and folklore Headword location(s)
maiden (adj.)
untried, untested, uninitiated [in battle] Headword location(s)
maiden (adj.)
befitting chastity Headword location(s)
maiden (adj.)
unblemished, unstained, not put to use Headword location(s)
maiden (adj.)
without bloodshed Headword location(s)
maidenhead (n.) Old form(s): maiden-head, maiden-heads, Maydenhead
virginity see also Swearing Headword location(s)
maidenhead (n.) Old form(s): Maydenhead
opening stage, first step Headword location(s)
Maidenhead (n.)
town near Windsor, Berkshire see also Britain [outside London] Headword location(s)
maidhood (n.)
maidenhood Headword location(s)
maid-pale (adj.)
fragile as a young girl, delicate Headword location(s)
mail (n.) Old form(s): male, mayle
armour, chain mail, piece of armour see also Body-armour Headword location(s)
mail (n.) Old form(s): male
wallet, pouch, travel bag Headword location(s)
mail up (v.) Old form(s): Mayl'd vp
wrap up, envelop, encase Headword location(s)
mailed (adj.) Old form(s): mayled
mail-clad, armoured Headword location(s)
maim (n.) Old form(s): maimes, mayme
wound, injury, mutilation Headword location(s)
maim (v.) Old form(s): maim'd
make powerless, undermine, subvert Headword location(s)
maimed (adj.)
incomplete, deficient, wanting Headword location(s)
main (adj.) Old form(s): maine
very great, major, considerable Headword location(s)
main (adj.) Old form(s): maine
leading, chief, pre-eminent Headword location(s)
main (adj.) Old form(s): maine
firm, strong, solid Headword location(s)
main (n.)
central part, chief part Headword location(s)
main (n.) Old form(s): maine
main concern, chief point Headword location(s)
main (n.) Old form(s): mayne
[gambling] stake, bet, throw Headword location(s)
main (n.) Old form(s): Maine
mainland Headword location(s)
main (n.) Old form(s): maine
open sea, ocean Headword location(s)
main (n.) Old form(s): Maine
strength, force, full might Headword location(s)
main (n.) Old form(s): maine
broad expanse, open view Headword location(s)
main (v.) Old form(s): main'd
maim, cripple Headword location(s)
main flood Old form(s): maine
high tide Headword location(s)
main-course (n.) Old form(s): Maine-course
principal sail of a ship, mainsail see also Ships Headword location(s)
mainly (adv.) Old form(s): mainely
greatly, very much, mightily Headword location(s)
mainly (adv.) Old form(s): mainely
entirely, completely, totally Headword location(s)
mainmast (n.)
principal mast in a multi-masted ship see also Ships Headword location(s)
mainport (n.)
[unclear meaning] tribute, offering Headword location(s)
mainsail (n.)
principal sail of a ship see also Ships Headword location(s)
maintain (v.) Old form(s): maintaine
defend, justify, support Headword location(s)
maintain (v.) Old form(s): maintaine
afford, stand the cost of Headword location(s)
maintop (n.) Old form(s): maine top
top of a ship's mainmast see also Ships Headword location(s)
maintop (n.)
top of the mainmast; or: platform near the top see also Ships Headword location(s)
majestical (adj.) Old form(s): Maiesticall
majestic, regal, kingly Headword location(s)
majestical (adj.) Old form(s): maiesticall
grand, stately Headword location(s)
major (n.) Old form(s): Maior
major premiss, proposition Headword location(s)
majority (n.) Old form(s): Maioritie
pre-eminence, superiority, supremacy Headword location(s)
make (n.)
[in expressions] see also mate and make Headword location(s)
make (v.) Old form(s): mak'st
consider, regard, treat [as] Headword location(s)
make (v.)
make fast, shut, close Headword location(s)
make (v.)
do, have to do Headword location(s)
make (v.)
bring success [to], prosper Headword location(s)
make (v.)
create, bring about, produce Headword location(s)
make (v.)
do, perform, carry out Headword location(s)
make (v.)
bring the total to Headword location(s)
make (v.)
give, provide Headword location(s)
make (v.)
make out, discern, detect Headword location(s)
make (v.)
eat, finish, complete Headword location(s)
make (v.)
raise, acquire, procure Headword location(s)
make (v.)
draw up, arrange, agree to Headword location(s)
make (v.)
matter, count, signify Headword location(s)
make (v.)
[in expressions] see also bold, make Headword location(s)
make (v.)
[in expressions] see also mouths, make Headword location(s)
make (v.)
[in expressions] see also lip, make a Headword location(s)
make (v.)
prove effective, be of avail Headword location(s)
make (v.)
come, proceed, approach Headword location(s)
make (v.)
become, form, make up Headword location(s)
make away (v.)
put an end to, do away with Headword location(s)
make forth (v.)
advance, come forward Headword location(s)
make from (v.)
[unclear meaning] avoid, beware; or: let go, release Headword location(s)
make good
justify, vindicate, confirm Headword location(s)
make good
hold, secure, make sure of Headword location(s)
make good
perform well, succeed in carrying out Headword location(s)
make in (v.)
go in, make [one's] way through Headword location(s)
make nothing of
treat as worthless, deal with contemptuously Headword location(s)
make on (v.)
make much of Headword location(s)
make on (v.)
make of, compose, form Headword location(s)
make one
join in the action, take part Headword location(s)
make out (v.)
go, go out Headword location(s)
make to (v.)
move towards, go in the direction of Headword location(s)
make up (v.) Old form(s): vp
reconcile, settle, arrange Headword location(s)
make up (v.) Old form(s): vp
conclude, finish, end Headword location(s)
make up (v.) Old form(s): vp
advance to the front, move forward, press on Headword location(s)
make up (v.) Old form(s): vp
contribute, add up, help to produce Headword location(s)
make up (v.) Old form(s): vp
agree, conclude, make good Headword location(s)
make up (v.) Old form(s): vp
create, cause the formation of Headword location(s)
make whole
put right, bring to agreement Headword location(s)
makeless (adj.)
mateless, husbandless Headword location(s)
make-peace (n.)
peacemaker Headword location(s)
making (n.)
physical appearance, bodily form, build Headword location(s)
malady of France
venereal disease Headword location(s)
malapert (adj.)
impudent, saucy, impertinent Headword location(s)
malcontent (adj.) Old form(s): malecontent
discontented, disaffected, dissatisfied Headword location(s)
malcontent (n.) Old form(s): Male-content, Malecontents
discontented individual, trouble-maker Headword location(s)
male (n.)
father, parent, begetter Headword location(s)
malediction (n.)
cursing, invective, denunciation Headword location(s)
malefaction (n.)
evil-doing, criminal act Headword location(s)
malice (n.) Old form(s): mallice
hostility, hatred, ill-will, enmity Headword location(s)
malicious (adj.)
violent, hostile, wrathful Headword location(s)
malicious (adj.)
wicked, evil-minded, of ill will Headword location(s)
maliciously (adv.)
violently, virulently, ragingly Headword location(s)
malign (v.) Old form(s): maligne
deal maliciously with, be hostile to Headword location(s)
malignancy (n.) Old form(s): malignancie
evil influence, inauspicious character Headword location(s)
malkin (n.) Old form(s): Mawkin
wench, drab, slut Headword location(s)
Mall, Mistress
Mary; several contemporary figures possible see also Contemporary figures, factual and fictitious Headword location(s)
mallard (n.)
wild drake Headword location(s)
mallecho (n.) Old form(s): Malicho
[unclear meaning] mischief, misdeed Headword location(s)
mallow (n.)
variety of wild plant see also Plants Headword location(s)
malmsey (n.) Old form(s): Malmesey
variety of strong sweet red wine Headword location(s)
malmsey-nose (adj.)
nose the colour of malmsey see also malmsey (n.) Headword location(s)
malthorse, malt-horse (n./adj.)
heavy brewer's horse; so: drudge, idiot Headword location(s)
maltworm, malt-worm (n.) Old form(s): Maltwormes, Mault-Wormes
drinker [of malt-liquor], drunkard, inebriate Headword location(s)
mammer (v.) Old form(s): mam'ring
stammer, hesitate, mutter Headword location(s)
mammet (n.)
doll, puppet Headword location(s)
mammock (v.) Old form(s): mammockt
tear to shreds, rip to pieces Headword location(s)
man (n.)
human nature, humanity [as opposed to beasts] Headword location(s)
man (n.)
manliness, courage, valour Headword location(s)
man (n.)
manhood, maturity, adulthood Headword location(s)
man (n.)
agent, representative Headword location(s)
man (n.)
servant, attendant, lackey Headword location(s)
man (v.) Old form(s): mann'd
attend, serve, wait on [by] Headword location(s)
man (v.)
employ, exert, send out Headword location(s)
man (v.)
[falconry] tame, make tractable Headword location(s)
man at arms, man-at-arms (n.) Old form(s): Armes
fully equipped soldier, heavily armed warrior Headword location(s)
man of arms, man-of-arms (n.) Old form(s): man of Armes
soldier, fighting man Headword location(s)
man of wax Old form(s): waxe
faultless, perfect [as of a wax model] Headword location(s)
manage (n.) Old form(s): mannad'g, mannadge, mannage
management, handling, control [especially of a horse, as a result of training] Headword location(s)
manage (n.) Old form(s): mannage
management, direction, administration Headword location(s)
manage (n.) Old form(s): mannage
government, rulers Headword location(s)
manage (n.)
gallop at full speed Headword location(s)
manage (v.)
wield, handle, use Headword location(s)
manage (v.)
conduct, carry on Headword location(s)
manage (v.) Old form(s): mannage
[of horses] ride, handle, put through one's paces Headword location(s)
manager (n.)
employer, user, handler Headword location(s)
mandate (n.)
command, order Headword location(s)
mandragora (n.)
mandrake plant [seen as a narcotic] see also Plants Headword location(s)
mandrake (n.)
noisy growth, dwarf see also Plants Headword location(s)
mandrake (n.)
variety of poisonous plant [thought to emit a lethal shriek when pulled from the ground] Headword location(s)
mandrake (n.)
variety of poisonous plant [whose long forked root was thought to resemble a man's legs and private parts; thus, with aphrodisiac properties] Headword location(s)
manent (v.)
[Latin] they remain: some characters remain on stage Headword location(s)
man-entered (adj.) Old form(s): Man-entred
entered into manhood Headword location(s)
mangle (v.)
wound, gash, hack Headword location(s)
manhood (n.)
manliness, courage, valour see also Politeness Headword location(s)
manifest (adj.)
clear, evident, obvious Headword location(s)
manifested (adj.)
plain, apparent, unmistakeable Headword location(s)
manifoldly (adv.) Old form(s): manifoldlie
in manifold ways, each in its own way Headword location(s)
manikin (n.) Old form(s): Manakin
little man, puppet Headword location(s)
mankind (adj.) Old form(s): mankinde
man-like, mannish Headword location(s)
mankind (n.) Old form(s): mankinde
man-like woman, virago; or: mad, furious, infuriated Headword location(s)
manly (adv.)
heroically, bravely, gallantly Headword location(s)
manner (n.)
(plural) proper behaviour, good conduct, forms of politeness Headword location(s)
manner (n.)
(plural) ways of life, social conditions Headword location(s)
manner (n.)
[legal] thing stolen, stolen goods Headword location(s)
manner (n.)
(plural) morals, character, way of behaving Headword location(s)
manner (n.)
character, nature, quality Headword location(s)
manner (n.)
fashion, usage, custom Headword location(s)
manner (n.)
[legal] act, work, deed Headword location(s)
manner, in
as it were, in a manner of speaking Headword location(s)
mannerly (adj.)
well-mannered, courteous, genteel Headword location(s)
mannerly (adj.)
seemly, decent, modest Headword location(s)
mannerly (adv.)
politely, courteously, with good manners Headword location(s)
mannish (adj.)
masculine, macho Headword location(s)
mannish (adj.)
of a man, adult, mature Headword location(s)
manor (n.) Old form(s): Mannor , Mannors
country house, mansion, estate Headword location(s)
man-queller (n.)
man-killer see also queller (n.) Headword location(s)
mansion (n.)
dwelling-place, home, lodging [not necessarily stately] Headword location(s)
mansionry (n.) Old form(s): Mansonry
place of habitation; or: building place Headword location(s)
mantle (n.)
loose sleeveless cloak see also Clothing Headword location(s)
mantle (n.)
surface vegetable matter, covering Headword location(s)
mantle (v.)
cover, conceal, obscure Headword location(s)
mantle (v.)
cover with a coating, form a scum Headword location(s)
mantled (adj.)
covered, surfaced Headword location(s)
manu...
with a ready hand see also Latin Headword location(s)
many (n.)
multitude, throng Headword location(s)
many a day, for this
during these past few days Headword location(s)
map (n.) Old form(s): Mappe
epitome, embodiment, incarnation Headword location(s)
map (n.)
outline, picture, image Headword location(s)
mappery (n.) Old form(s): Mapp'ry
mere map-making Headword location(s)
mar (v.) Old form(s): marr'd , marre
ruin, harm, injure, damage Headword location(s)
marble (adj.)
enduring, solid [as marble] Headword location(s)
marbled (adj.)
shining like marble; reminiscent of marble Headword location(s)
marcantant (n.)
malapropism of Italian ‘mercatante’, merchant Headword location(s)
Marcellus (n.)
Marseilles, S France see also World [outside Britain], places and peoples Headword location(s)
march (n.)
sequence, rhythmical movement Headword location(s)
march (n.)
border region, frontier Headword location(s)
March-chick (n.) Old form(s): March-chicke
precocious youth, presumptuous youngster Headword location(s)
marchpane (n.)
marzipan Headword location(s)
mare (n.)
goblin that causes nightmares [by sitting on the sleeper's chest] Headword location(s)
mare, ride the wild Old form(s): wilde
type of schoolboy game involving one boy leaping on top of others Headword location(s)
mare's dead, whose
what's the fuss, what's going on Headword location(s)
margent (n.)
margin [of a page, where an explanatory note would be found] Headword location(s)
margent (n.)
margin, edge, border Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): marke
notable sight, object of serious attention Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): marke
target, goal, aim Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): marke
reach, aim, range Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): Markes
(plural) insignia, regalia Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): marke
birthmark, discolouration, blemish Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): marke
mark used as a signature by an illiterate person Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): marke
shot at a target Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): Marke, markes
accounting unit in England (value: two-thirds of a pound) see also Money Headword location(s)
mark (n.) Old form(s): marke
in an apologetic exclamation, after referring to something unpleasant see also Politeness Headword location(s)
mark (v.) Old form(s): mark'd, Marke, markes , markt
note, pay attention [to], take notice [of] see also Attention signals Headword location(s)
mark (v.) Old form(s): mark'd, Marke, markes , markt
note, pay attention [to], take notice [of] see also Frequently Encountered Words (FEW) Headword location(s)
mark (v.) Old form(s): Mark'd , markt
destine, brand, designate Headword location(s)
market (n.)
purchase, spending opportunity, outlay Headword location(s)
market (n.)
marketing [i.e. profitable use] Headword location(s)
market (n.)
opportunity to make a profit Headword location(s)
market-man (n.) Old form(s): Market men
man who trades in a market Headword location(s)
marking (n.)
noting, notice, attending [to] Headword location(s)
markman (n.) Old form(s): marke man
marksman Headword location(s)
marl (n.) Old form(s): marle
clay, earth, loam Headword location(s)
marmoset (n.) Old form(s): Marmazet
type of small monkey Headword location(s)
married (adj.)
joined in harmony, well-proportioned Headword location(s)
marring (n.)
harm, detriment, loss Headword location(s)
marrow (n.)
rich and nutritious substance derived from bone cavities Headword location(s)
marrow (n.)
spirit, courage, strength Headword location(s)
marry (int.)
[exclamation] by Mary see also Exclamations Headword location(s)
marry (int.)
[exclamation] by Mary see also Swearing Headword location(s)
marry (v.)
join together, unite Headword location(s)
marry (v.)
be a marriage dowry for Headword location(s)
marry come up
expression of (real or playful) impatience see also Exclamations Headword location(s)
marry trap with you
[unclear meaning] insulting or contemptuous exclamation see also Exclamations Headword location(s)
Mars (n.)
Roman god of war see also Gods and goddesses Headword location(s)
Mars (n.)
Roman god of war see also Swearing Headword location(s)
Mars (n.)
planet particularly associated with martial or aggressive temperaments see also Cosmos Headword location(s)
marshal (v.)
conduct, lead, steer Headword location(s)
Marshalsea (n.)
debtor's prison in Southwark, London see also London Headword location(s)
mart (n.)
bargaining, buying and selling, trading Headword location(s)
mart (n.)
market Headword location(s)
mart (v.)
do business, bargain, make a deal Headword location(s)
mart (v.)
sell, market, traffic in Headword location(s)
martial (adj.) Old form(s): marshall , Martiall
warlike, valiant, brave Headword location(s)
martial (adj.) Old form(s): marshiall
military, warlike, for combat Headword location(s)
martialist (n.)
soldier, military man [i.e. follower of Mars] Headword location(s)
Martin, Saint
patron saint of France, 4th-c see also Religious personalities and beings Headword location(s)
Martinmas, Martlemas (n.)
St Martins Day, 11 November, associated with plentiful food see also Days and dates Headword location(s)
martlemas (n.)
[applied to a person] case of plenty, fullness of being see also Days and dates Headword location(s)
martlet (n.)
house-martin [which often builds its nest in churches] Headword location(s)
martyr (v.) Old form(s): martyr'd
mutilate, torture, disfigure Headword location(s)
martyr (v.)
slay, slaughter, butcher Headword location(s)
martyred (adj.) Old form(s): martir'd
mutilated, tortured, disfigured Headword location(s)
marvel (adj.) Old form(s): meruaile
strange, remarkable Headword location(s)
marvel (n.) Old form(s): meruaile
astonishment, amazement, surprise Headword location(s)
marvel (v.) Old form(s): maruell , meruaile
wonder, be curious Headword location(s)
marvellous (adv.) Old form(s): maruailous , marueilous , maruellous , marue'lous , maruels , maruel's, maru'llous , meruaylous
very, extremely, exceedingly see also Frequently Encountered Words (FEW) Headword location(s)
Mary-bud (n.)
marigold bud see also Plants Headword location(s)
masculine (adj.)
manly, virile, macho Headword location(s)
mash (v.) Old form(s): mesh'd
[brewing] ferment, mix Headword location(s)
mask (n.) Old form(s): Maske
barrier worn to protect the complexion against the sun Headword location(s)
mask (v.) Old form(s): Maske
take part in a masque Headword location(s)
masoned (adj.) Old form(s): masond
formed with masonry; or: mason-built Headword location(s)
masonry (n.)
stonework, floor Headword location(s)
masque (n.) Old form(s): Maske
masquerade, pageant, show Headword location(s)
masque (v.)
take part in a masque see also mask (v.) Headword location(s)
masquing (adj.) Old form(s): masking
elaborate, grotesque, suitable for use in a masque Headword location(s)
mass (n.)
size, numbers, large amount Headword location(s)
mass (n.) Old form(s): Masse
service, liturgy, divine celebration Headword location(s)
massy (adj.) Old form(s): massie
massive, heavy, colossal Headword location(s)
mast (n.)
fruit of forest trees, edible produce Headword location(s)
master (n.) Old form(s): maister
teacher, schoolmaster Headword location(s)
master (n.)
dignified form of address to a professional person see also Address forms Headword location(s)
master (v.) Old form(s): maister , maistred
own, possess, have at one's disposal Headword location(s)
master-cord (n.)
main sinew Headword location(s)
masterdom (n.) Old form(s): Masterdome
supremacy, dominion, command Headword location(s)
masterless (adj.) Old form(s): Masterlesse
abandoned, lacking an owner Headword location(s)
masterly (adj.)
of one's skill, of one's mastery Headword location(s)
masterly (adv.)
from experience, in a masterly way Headword location(s)
mastership (n.)
[ironic use] senior citizen, leading light Headword location(s)
mastic (adj.) Old form(s): Masticke
gummy, resinous, sticky Headword location(s)
match (n.)
bargain, contract, agreement Headword location(s)
match (n.)
game, contest, competition Headword location(s)
match (n.)
robbery, operation, enterprise Headword location(s)
match (n.)
opponent, rival, foe Headword location(s)
match (n.)
appointment, assignation, rendezvous Headword location(s)
match (n.)
victory, success, triumph Headword location(s)
match (n.)
matching, equality Headword location(s)
match (v.) Old form(s): match'd , matcht
join in marriage, make a match Headword location(s)
match (v.)
compare, equate, make equal Headword location(s)
mate (n.)
fellow, individual Headword location(s)
mate (n.)
companion, associate, comrade Headword location(s)
mate (v.)
astound, amaze, confound Headword location(s)
mate (v.)
checkmate, overcome, finish off Headword location(s)
mate (v.)
be a match for, cope with Headword location(s)
mate (v.)
check, frustrate, hinder Headword location(s)
mate and make
husband and wife Headword location(s)
mated (adj.)
bewildered, confused Headword location(s)
material (adj.)
full of matter, containing substance Headword location(s)
material (adj.) Old form(s): materiall
relevant, pertinent, germane Headword location(s)
matin (n.) Old form(s): Matine
morning Headword location(s)
matron (n.)
married woman Headword location(s)
matter (n.)
subject-matter, content, substance Headword location(s)
matter (n.)
reason, cause, ground Headword location(s)
matter (n.)
significance, import, meaning Headword location(s)
matter (n.)
affair(s), business, real issue Headword location(s)
matter (n.)
pus, discharge, fluid [from a wound] Headword location(s)
matter (n.)
means, capacity, wherewithal Headword location(s)
matter (n.)
stuff, soul, substance Headword location(s)
matter, to the
relevant, pertinent, apposite Headword location(s)
mattock (n.) Old form(s): Mattocke
tool for loosening hard ground Headword location(s)
mature (adj.)
ready, ripe, set Headword location(s)
maugre (prep.) Old form(s): mauger
[pron: 'mawguh] in spite of Headword location(s)
maund (n.)
wicker basket Headword location(s)
maw (n.) Old form(s): mawe, Mawes
belly, stomach; throat, gullet Headword location(s)
may (v.)
to take part in May-day festivities Headword location(s)
may, you
go on, carry on see also Discourse markers Headword location(s)
maying (n.)
May-day festivities Headword location(s)
maze (n.)
arrangement of paths, network of tracks Headword location(s)
maze (n.)
chance wandering about, labyrinthine business Headword location(s)
maze (v.) Old form(s): Maz'd
confuse, bewilder, perplex Headword location(s)
mazed (adj.) Old form(s): maz'd
bewildered, confused, perplexed Headword location(s)
mazzard (n.) Old form(s): Mazard
[jocular] skull, head, bowl Headword location(s)
me (int.)
in expression of regret 'ay me' see also Regrets Headword location(s)
me, O (int.)
exclamation of shock, horrified surprise see also Exclamations Headword location(s)
me...
the honour of the contest led me on see also Latin Headword location(s)
meacock (adj.) Old form(s): meacocke
spiritless, languid, docile Headword location(s)
mead (n.) Old form(s): Meade, Meades, Medes
meadow Headword location(s)
meagre (adj.)
thin, slight, scrawny Headword location(s)
meagre (adj.) Old form(s): meager, meger
lean, gaunt, emaciated Headword location(s)
meagre (adj.) Old form(s): meager
barren, poor-quality, unproductive Headword location(s)
meal (n.) Old form(s): Meale
flour, edible part of grain Headword location(s)
meal (v.) Old form(s): meal'd
stain, spot, blemish Headword location(s)
mealy (adj.) Old form(s): mealie
powdery, scaly, grainy Headword location(s)
mean (adj.) Old form(s): meane , mean'st
lowly, humble, poor see also meanest (n.) Headword location(s)
mean (adj.) Old form(s): meane
of low rank, inferior in position, less important see also meanest (n.) Headword location(s)
mean (adj.) Old form(s): meane
of low rank, inferior in position, less important see also meaner (n.) Headword location(s)
mean (adj.) Old form(s): meane
unworthy, insignificant, unimportant Headword location(s)
mean (adj.) Old form(s): meane
average, moderate, middling Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meanes
(plural) manner, mode, method Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meanes
means of access, passage Headword location(s)
mean (n.)
[in phrases] see also by any means Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meanes
(plural) resources, wherewithal, wealth Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meane
moderation, measure, limit Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meane , meanes
means, way, method Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meanes
mediation, intercession, intervention Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): Meane , Meanes
middle-part singer, tenor, alto Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meane
means, agent, cause Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meanes
(plural) obstacles, intervening factors Headword location(s)
mean (n.)
middle, midway Headword location(s)
mean (n.) Old form(s): meanes
(plural) capacity, capability, potential Headword location(s)
mean (v.) Old form(s): ment
intend for, have in mind for Headword location(s)
mean (v.) Old form(s): meane , meanes
intend, purpose, mean to act Headword location(s)
mean (v.) Old form(s): meanes
lament, mourn, make complaint Headword location(s)
mean space Old form(s): Meane
in the meantime, meanwhile Headword location(s)
mean-apparelled (adj.) Old form(s): meane apparel'd
humbly dressed, in poor clothes Headword location(s)
mean-born (adj.) Old form(s): meane-borne
low-born, of humble birth Headword location(s)
meander (n.)
crooked path, winding way Headword location(s)
meaner (n.)
lower ranking, less eminent see also mean (adj.) 1 Headword location(s)
meanest (n.)
lowest ranking, least eminent see also best (n.) 3 Headword location(s)
meanest (n.)
lowest ranking, least eminent see also mean (adj.) 1 Headword location(s)
meaning (n.) Old form(s): meauing
design, intention, purpose Headword location(s)
meanly (adv.) Old form(s): meanely
humbly, in a lowly manner Headword location(s)
meanly (adv.)
tolerably, moderately well, well enough Headword location(s)
meanly, not Old form(s): meanely
not a little, in no small degree Headword location(s)
means, make Old form(s): meanes
take pains, make efforts Headword location(s)
measles (n.) Old form(s): Meazels
scabs; or: lepers Headword location(s)
measurable (adj.)
fitting, apt, suitable Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
metre, poetic skill Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
extent, size, amount, quantity, mass Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
punishment, treatment, retribution Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
limit, moderation, extent not to be exceeded Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
course of action, means Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
due proportion, appropriate degree, full quantity Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
[of drink] vessel-full, tot Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
range, reach, scope Headword location(s)
measure (n.) Old form(s): measuers
slow stately dance, graceful movement Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
pattern of movement, regular course, routine Headword location(s)
measure (n.)
accompaniment, background melody Headword location(s)
measure (v.) Old form(s): measur'd
check that the length of two weapons is the same [before beginning a duel] Headword location(s)
measure (v.) Old form(s): measur'd
pass through, travel over, traverse Headword location(s)
measure (v.) Old form(s): measur'd
judge, appraise Headword location(s)
measure (v.)
apportion, dispense, give out Headword location(s)
measure back (v.) Old form(s): backe
retrace, travel back, cover the distance Headword location(s)
measure, with
liberally, abundantly, lavishly Headword location(s)
measuring (n.)
task of checking measurement Headword location(s)
meat (n.) Old form(s): Meate
food, nourishment Headword location(s)
meat (n.) Old form(s): meate
edible part Headword location(s)
meat (n.) Old form(s): meates
foodstuff, fodder, scraps Headword location(s)
mechanic (adj.) Old form(s): Mechanicke
common, vulgar, commonplace Headword location(s)
mechanic (adj.) Old form(s): Mechanicke
worker, labouring Headword location(s)
mechanic (n.) Old form(s): Mechanickes
workman, handicraftsman Headword location(s)
mechanical (adj.) Old form(s): Mechanicall
common, servile, menial Headword location(s)
mechanical (n.) Old form(s): Mcehanicals, Mechanicall
manual worker, craftsman, menial Headword location(s)
medal (n.) Old form(s): Medull
miniature portrait, pendant, charm Headword location(s)
meddle (v.)
fight, engage in combat, exchange blows Headword location(s)
meddle (v.)
busy oneself, concern oneself Headword location(s)
meddle or make
interfere, butt in Headword location(s)
meddle with (v.) Old form(s): medle
enter into, mingle with Headword location(s)
meddling (adj.) Old form(s): medling
interfering, intruding Headword location(s)
Medea (n.)
[pron: me'deea] daughter of Aeetes, King of Colchis, who assisted Jason in obtaining the Golden Fleece see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Medea (n.)
[pron: me'deea] daughter of Aeetes, King of Colchis, who assisted Jason in obtaining the Golden Fleece see also Aeson (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Medea (n.)
[pron: me'deea] daughter of Aeetes, King of Colchis, who assisted Jason in obtaining the Golden Fleece see also Jason (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
medice...
physician, heal thyself see also Latin Headword location(s)
medicinable (adj.) Old form(s): medcinable
curable, able to be healed Headword location(s)
medicinable (adj.) Old form(s): med'cinable
medicinal, healing, curative, restorative Headword location(s)
medicine (n.)
love potion Headword location(s)
medicine (n.)
poison Headword location(s)
medicine (n.)
physician, doctor Headword location(s)
medicine (n.)
healing, effective remedy Headword location(s)
medicine (n.) Old form(s): med'cine
drug used for purposes other than healing (especially the philosopher's elixir) Headword location(s)
medicine (v.) Old form(s): med'cine
cure, heal, relieve Headword location(s)
medicine potable Old form(s): Med'cine
elixir believed to be of special efficacy because derived from gold Headword location(s)
meditance (n.)
meditation, reflection, contemplation Headword location(s)
meditate (v.)
contemplate, plan, deliberate Headword location(s)
meditation (n.)
thought, thinking Headword location(s)
meditation (n.)
prayer, spiritual contemplation Headword location(s)
Mediterraneum (n.)
Mediterranean Sea see also World [outside Britain], places and peoples Headword location(s)
medlar (adj.) Old form(s): Medler
variety of tree [whose fruit were thought to resemble female genitalia] see also Plants Headword location(s)
medlar (n.) Old form(s): medler
apple-like fruit eaten when its flesh has begun to decay [also: pun on ‘meddler’] Headword location(s)
medlar (n.) Old form(s): Medler
whore, prostitute Headword location(s)
meed (n.) Old form(s): meede
reward, prize, recompense Headword location(s)
meed (n.) Old form(s): meedes
merit, worth, excellence Headword location(s)
meed (n.) Old form(s): meede
gift, service, benefaction Headword location(s)
meet (adj.) Old form(s): mcete, meete
fit, suitable, right, proper see also Frequently Encountered Words (FEW) Headword location(s)
meet (adj.) Old form(s): mcete, meete
fit, suitable, right, proper see also unmeet (adj.) Headword location(s)
meet (adj.)
even, quits, revenged [on] Headword location(s)
meet (adv.) Old form(s): meete
suitably, fittingly, appropriately Headword location(s)
meet (v.)
begin, start, keep Headword location(s)
meet (v.)
fight with, meet in battle Headword location(s)
meet (v.) Old form(s): meete
come together for love Headword location(s)
meet with (v.) Old form(s): meete
fit in with, suit, agree with Headword location(s)
meetly (adj.)
quite good, moderate, reasonable Headword location(s)
meetness (n.) Old form(s): meetnesse
fitness, readiness Headword location(s)
mehercle (int.)
[pron: me'herklay] by Hercules see also Latin Headword location(s)
meiny (n.) Old form(s): Meynie
multitude, crowd, throng Headword location(s)
meiny (n.) Old form(s): meiney
household retinue, followers Headword location(s)
melancholy (adj.) Old form(s): melancholly
dark, dismal, gloomy Headword location(s)
melancholy (n.)
ill-temper, sullenness [thought to be the result of too much ‘black bile’ in the blood] Headword location(s)
Meleager (n.)
[pron: melee'ager] son of Althaea, his life-span determined by an unburnt magic log; he murdered his uncles in a quarrel over the killing of a boar ravaging the fields in Calydon; in her rage Althaea burnt Meleager’s log on a fire, and he died see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Meleager (n.)
[pron: melee'ager] son of Althaea, his life-span determined by an unburnt magic log; he murdered his uncles in a quarrel over the killing of a boar ravaging the fields in Calydon; in her rage Althaea burnt Meleager’s log on a fire, and he died see also Althea (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
mell (v.)
get involved, associate, copulate Headword location(s)
mellowed (adj.) Old form(s): mellow'd
mature, advancing Headword location(s)
melting (adj.)
soft-hearted, tender-hearted, pitying Headword location(s)
melting (adj.)
moving, affecting, causing tenderness Headword location(s)
member (n.)
sharer, participant, partaker Headword location(s)
member (n.)
limb, piece of a body Headword location(s)
memento...
reminder of death see also Latin Headword location(s)
memorial (adj.) Old form(s): memoriall
of remembrance, of recollection Headword location(s)
memorize (v.) Old form(s): memoriz'd
make memorable, cause to be remembered Headword location(s)
memory (n.)
history, memorial record Headword location(s)
memory (n.) Old form(s): memorie
memorial, remembrance Headword location(s)
memory (n.) Old form(s): memorie
reminder, memento Headword location(s)
memory, of
remembered, not forgotten Headword location(s)
mend (n.)
remedy, way of improving Headword location(s)
mend (v.)
do better, pull oneself together Headword location(s)
mend (v.)
supplement, augment Headword location(s)
mend (v.)
amend, improve, make better, put right see also Swearing Headword location(s)
mend (v.)
increase the value of, make more excellent Headword location(s)
mend (v.)
amend, save [in emphatic expressions] see also Swearing Headword location(s)
mended (adj.)
improved, made better Headword location(s)
Menelaus (n.)
[pron: mene'layus] king of Sparta, brother of Agamemnon, married to Helen of Troy see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Menelaus (n.)
[pron: mene'layus] king of Sparta, brother of Agamemnon, married to Helen of Troy see also Agamemnon (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Menelaus (n.)
[pron: mene'layus] king of Sparta, brother of Agamemnon, married to Helen of Troy see also Helen (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Mephostophilus (n.)
[mefi'stofolus] in Christian tradition, the name of a devil see also Religious personalities and beings Headword location(s)
merchandise (v.) Old form(s): marchandiz'd
commercialise, turn into merchandise Headword location(s)
merchant (n.)
dealer, purveyor Headword location(s)
merchant (n.)
merchant ship Headword location(s)
merchant (n.)
fellow, character, lad Headword location(s)
merchant-marring (adj.)
capable of damaging a merchant-ship Headword location(s)
Mercury (n.)
messenger of the Roman gods; also, god of commerce see also Gods and goddesses Headword location(s)
Mercury (n.)
planet particularly associated with eloquence, feats of skill, and the commercial world see also Cosmos Headword location(s)
mercy (n.)
compassion, forgiveness, pardon see also Greetings Headword location(s)
mercy (n.)
compassion, forgiveness, pardon see also Politeness Headword location(s)
mercy (n.)
compassion, forgiveness, pardon see also Swearing Headword location(s)
mere (adj.) Old form(s): meere
complete, total, absolute, utter see also Frequently Encountered Words (FEW) Headword location(s)
mere (adj.) Old form(s): meere
sole, personal, particular Headword location(s)
mere (adv.) Old form(s): meere
totally, absolutely Headword location(s)
mere (adv.) Old form(s): meere
exclusively, purely, solely Headword location(s)
mered (adj.) Old form(s): meered
[unclear meaning] sole, entire; particular, specific Headword location(s)
merely (adv.) Old form(s): Meerely , meerly
completely, totally, entirely see also Frequently Encountered Words (FEW) Headword location(s)
merely (adv.) Old form(s): Meerely
purely, for no other reason than Headword location(s)
merely (adv.) Old form(s): meerely, meerly
only, nothing more than Headword location(s)
meridian (n.)
high point, culmination, climax Headword location(s)
merit (n.)
deserving person, righteous individual Headword location(s)
merit (n.)
reward, just desert Headword location(s)
merit (n.)
good works [yielding reward from God] Headword location(s)
merit (n.) Old form(s): merites
desert, deserving, inner worth Headword location(s)
merit (n.) Old form(s): Merit
meritorious service Headword location(s)
Merlin (n.)
good wizard or sage whose magic helped King Arthur; famous for his prophecies see also Non-classical legend, romance, and folklore Headword location(s)
mermaid (n.) Old form(s): Mermaide
siren Headword location(s)
Merops (n.)
husband of Clymene; Phaethon was the son of her union with Helios see also Gods and goddesses Headword location(s)
merry (adj.) Old form(s): merrie
facetious, droll, jocular Headword location(s)
merry (adj.) Old form(s): merrie
[of winds] favourable, helpful, advantageous Headword location(s)
merry (adj.) Old form(s): merrie
hilarious, uproarious, hysterical Headword location(s)
merry (adj.)
in good spirits, well Headword location(s)
mervailous (adj.) Old form(s): meruailous
marvellous, amazing, remarkable Headword location(s)
mess (n.) Old form(s): messe
small quantity, little bit Headword location(s)
mess (n.) Old form(s): messe
dining company, banqueting table Headword location(s)
mess (n.) Old form(s): Messe
small group of people eating together Headword location(s)
mess (n.) Old form(s): Messe
serving of food, dish Headword location(s)
mess (n.) Old form(s): messe
company, group, gang of four Headword location(s)
mess (n.)
Scottish pronunciation of 'mass' see also Scottish Headword location(s)
message, of
on the business of carrying a message, as messenger Headword location(s)
Messaline (n.)
[pron: 'mesaleen] probably Marseilles, S France see also World [outside Britain], places and peoples Headword location(s)
messenger (n.)
pursuivant, officer Headword location(s)
messenger (n.)
malapropism for ‘message’ Headword location(s)
Messina (n.)
[pron: me'seena] port in Sicily, S Italy see also World [outside Britain], places and peoples Headword location(s)
met (int.)
in the greeting 'well met' see also Greetings Headword location(s)
metal (n.) Old form(s): mettall
substance, material, fabric Headword location(s)
metal of India Old form(s): Mettle
pure gold Headword location(s)
metamorphose (v.) Old form(s): metamorphis'd
transform, alter one's disposition, change one's shape Headword location(s)
metamorphosed (adj.) Old form(s): metamorphosd
turned into stone, transformed, petrified Headword location(s)
metaphysical (adj.) Old form(s): Metaphysicall
supernatural, transcending the laws of nature Headword location(s)
mete (v.)
appraise, measure, evaluate Headword location(s)
mete (v.) Old form(s): meat
aim, level Headword location(s)
meteor (n.)
aurora, luminous emanation, atmospheric effect Headword location(s)
mete-yard (n.) Old form(s): meat-yard
measuring rod, yardstick Headword location(s)
metheglin (n.) Old form(s): Methegline
[mi'theglin] strong spiced Welsh mead Headword location(s)
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.) Old form(s): Me thinkes , me thinks , me think's , me thought , me thought), Me thoughts , mee thinkes , Methinkes , Me-thinkes , Methinks , me-thinks, Me-thought
it seems / seemed to me see also Frequently Encountered Words (FEW) Headword location(s)
method (n.) Old form(s): Methode
exposition, thesis, expressed content Headword location(s)
method (n.)
table of contents, summary arrangement Headword location(s)
methought (v.)
past form of 'methinks' see also methinks (v.) Headword location(s)
metre (adj.) Old form(s): Meeter
metrical, doggerel Headword location(s)
metre (n.) Old form(s): Meeters
verse, poem, composition Headword location(s)
mettle, mettell (n.)
spirit, temperament, disposition Headword location(s)
mettle, mettell (n.)
substance, matter Headword location(s)
mettle, mettell (n.) Old form(s): mettall , mettell
spirit, vigour, zest Headword location(s)
mew (v.) Old form(s): mew'd
coop up, confine, shut up Headword location(s)
mew up (v.) Old form(s): meu'd vp, mew'd vp, vp
coop up, confine, shut up Headword location(s)
mewl (v.)
mew [like a cat]; or: cry feebly Headword location(s)
Michaelmas (n.)
in Christian tradition, St Michael's Day, 29 September Headword location(s)
micher (n.)
truant, absentee, malingerer Headword location(s)
miching (adj.)
[unclear meaning] sneaking, skulking, lurking Headword location(s)
mickle (adj.)
great, much, large Headword location(s)
microcosm (n.) Old form(s): Microcosme
little world Headword location(s)
middle earth (n.)
earth, seen as midway between heaven and hell Headword location(s)
mid-season (n.)
noon, middle of the day Headword location(s)
mighty (adj.) Old form(s): mightie
influential, important, leading Headword location(s)
milch (adj.) Old form(s): milche
[milky] moist, tearful Headword location(s)
milch (adj.)
milking, in milk Headword location(s)
milch-kine (n.)
dairy-milk cows Headword location(s)
Mile-end (n.)
area in the East End of London where the citizen militia drilled see also London Headword location(s)
militarist (n.)
soldier, warrior Headword location(s)
milk-livered (adj.)
chicken-hearted, cowardly Headword location(s)
milk-pap (n.) Old form(s): Milke pappes
nipple, teat Headword location(s)
milky (adj.) Old form(s): Milkie
of the colour of milk; white-haired Headword location(s)
milky (adj.) Old form(s): milkie
weak, timorous, feeble Headword location(s)
millioned (adj.)
numbered by the million Headword location(s)
mill-sixpence (n.)
sixpence made in a coin-making mill see also Money Headword location(s)
Milo (n.)
[pron: 'miyloh] Greek athlete, 6th-c BC, who carried an ox around the stadium at Olympia then ate it all in a single day see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
mimic (n.) Old form(s): Mimmick
burlesque actor, performer, thespian Headword location(s)
mince (v.)
play down, soften, make little of Headword location(s)
mince (v.)
walk like a lady, walk with delicate short steps Headword location(s)
mince (v.)
suggest by walking pretentiously, give an affected impression of Headword location(s)
mince (v.)
chop into pieces, cut into tiny bits Headword location(s)
minced (adj.) Old form(s): minc'd
cut up into little pieces for baking Headword location(s)
mincing (adj.)
affected, pretentious, daintily moving Headword location(s)
mincing (n.)
affected movement, pretentious manner Headword location(s)
mind (n.) Old form(s): minde
intention, purpose, intent Headword location(s)
mind (n.) Old form(s): minde
inclination, desire, wish Headword location(s)
mind (n.) Old form(s): minde
character, disposition, spirit Headword location(s)
mind (n.) Old form(s): minde
feeling, presentiment, misgiving Headword location(s)
mind (v.) Old form(s): minde
think of, call to mind Headword location(s)
mind (v.)
put in mind, remind Headword location(s)
mind (v.) Old form(s): minde
intend, have a mind Headword location(s)
mind (v.) Old form(s): minde
pay attention to, take notice of Headword location(s)
mind (v.)
purpose, intend, hold an opinion Headword location(s)
minded (adj.)
[in compounds] see also bloody-minded (adj.) Headword location(s)
minded (adj.)
[in compounds] see also well-minded (adj.) Headword location(s)
minded (adj.)
[in compounds] see also motley-minded (adj.) Headword location(s)
minded (adj.)
[in compounds] see also high-minded (adj.) Headword location(s)
mine (n.)
source of supply, abundant store Headword location(s)
mine (n.) Old form(s): Mynes
excavated passage under a fortress wall see also countermine (n.) Headword location(s)
mine (v.)
undermine, sap, subvert Headword location(s)
mineral (n.) Old form(s): Minerall
mine, mineral deposit Headword location(s)
mineral (n.) Old form(s): Minerall
substance, poison, toxin Headword location(s)
Minerva (n.) Old form(s): Minerua
Roman goddess of wisdom, the arts, and trades see also Gods and goddesses Headword location(s)
mingle (v.)
join, unite, combine Headword location(s)
minikin (adj.)
shrill; or: dainty, tiny Headword location(s)
minimus (n.)
tiniest of creatures, insignificant being Headword location(s)
minion (n.) Old form(s): minnion
darling, favourite, select one Headword location(s)
minion (n.)
hussy, jade, minx Headword location(s)
minister (n.)
messenger, agent, servant Headword location(s)
minister (v.)
provide, supply, give Headword location(s)
minister (v.)
prompt, suggest, indicate Headword location(s)
minister (v.)
act, govern, officiate Headword location(s)
minnow (n.) Old form(s): Minnoues, Minow
[variety of fish] insignificant object Headword location(s)
minority (n.) Old form(s): minoritie
under-age period, earlier youth, childhood Headword location(s)
Minos (n.)
['minos] king of Crete, who imprisoned Daedalus and his son Icarus for helping Theseus escape from his labyrinth see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Minos (n.)
['minos] king of Crete, who imprisoned Daedalus and his son Icarus for helping Theseus escape from his labyrinth see also Theseus (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Minotaur (n.)
['minotawr] son of Pasiphae and a bull from the sea, half bull and half human; kept in Minos' labyrinth; killed by Theseus see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Minotaur (n.)
['minotawr] son of Pasiphae and a bull from the sea, half bull and half human; kept in Minos' labyrinth; killed by Theseus see also Theseus (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Minotaur (n.)
['minotawr] son of Pasiphae and a bull from the sea, half bull and half human; kept in Minos' labyrinth; killed by Theseus see also Minos (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
minstrel (n.) Old form(s): Minstrell
[derisive term for] musician Headword location(s)
minstrelsy (n.) Old form(s): Minstrelsie
noisy playing and singing, musical rowdiness Headword location(s)
minstrelsy (n.) Old form(s): Minstrelsie
court singer Headword location(s)
minute, by the
minute by minute, continually Headword location(s)
minute-jack (n.) Old form(s): Minute Iackes
mind-changing villain, fickle lout see also jack (n.) 2 Headword location(s)
minutely (adj.)
taking place minute by minute Headword location(s)
mirable (adj.)
wonderful, marvellous Headword location(s)
miracle (v.) Old form(s): myracle
make a wonder of, show miraculous Headword location(s)
mire (v.) Old form(s): myre
sink in the mire, get bogged down Headword location(s)
mirror (n.)
supreme example, paragon, model of excellence Headword location(s)
mirth (n.)
joke, diversion, sport Headword location(s)
mirth (n.)
merry-making, pleasure-seeking Headword location(s)
misadventure (n.) Old form(s): misaduenture
misfortune, mishap, tragic accident Headword location(s)
misadventured (adj.)
unfortunate, calamitous, disastrous Headword location(s)
Misanthropos (n.) Old form(s): Misantropos
man-hater Headword location(s)
misbecome (v.) Old form(s): misbecom'd , mis-become
appear unbecoming to, be unseemly to Headword location(s)
misbecomingly (adv.)
unbecomingly, unattractively, unfittingly Headword location(s)
misbegot (adj.) Old form(s): mis-begot
misbegotten, illegitimate, bastard Headword location(s)
misbegotten (adj.) Old form(s): mis-begotten
illegitimate, bastard Headword location(s)
miscall (v.)
misname, call by a wrong name Headword location(s)
miscarry (v.) Old form(s): miscarrie , mis-carryed
come to harm, perish, meet death Headword location(s)
miscarry (v.) Old form(s): mis-carry
go wrong, fail, be unsuccessful Headword location(s)
miscarry (v.) Old form(s): miscaried
come to harm, be lost, be destroyed Headword location(s)
miscarry (v.) Old form(s): miscarrie
be scarce, fail, become unproductive Headword location(s)
miscarry (v.)
[of letters] go astray, fall into the wrong hands Headword location(s)
mischance (n.)
misfortune, calamity, mishap Headword location(s)
mischief (n.) Old form(s): Mischeefes, Mischiefe, Mischiefes
wicked action, evil deed, harmful scheme Headword location(s)
mischief (n.) Old form(s): mischeefe , mischiefe
catastrophe, calamity, misfortune Headword location(s)
mischief (n.) Old form(s): mischefe , Mischeife , Mischiefe
harm, injury, damage Headword location(s)
mischief (n.) Old form(s): Mischeefe , mischiefe
disease, ailment, misfortune Headword location(s)
mischief (v.) Old form(s): mischeefe
hurt, injure, do harm to Headword location(s)
mischievous (adj.) Old form(s): mischieuous
harmful, damaging, injurious Headword location(s)
misconster (v.) Old form(s): misconsterd
misconstrue, misinterpret, take wrongly Headword location(s)
misconstruction (n.)
misunderstanding, misinterpretation Headword location(s)
miscreant (n.)
villain, wretch, rascal Headword location(s)
miscreant (n.)
unbeliever, heretic see also recreant (n.) 3 Headword location(s)
miscreate (adj.)
wrongly created, illegitimate Headword location(s)
misdemean (v.) Old form(s): misdemean'd
behave improperly, misconduct Headword location(s)
misdo (v.) Old form(s): misdoo
do wrong, transgress Headword location(s)
misdoubt (n.) Old form(s): mis-doubts
suspicion, mistrust, doubtfulness Headword location(s)
misdoubt (v.) Old form(s): mis-doubts
distrust, suspect, have misgivings about Headword location(s)
misdoubt (v.)
disbelieve, doubt the reality [of] Headword location(s)
misdread (n.)
dread of evil, fear of harm Headword location(s)
Misena, Mount
[pron: mi'sayna] Mount Misenum, port in S Italy see also World [outside Britain], places and peoples Headword location(s)
miser (n.)
wretch, miserable being Headword location(s)
misery (n.) Old form(s): Miserie
complete poverty, destitution, beggary Headword location(s)
misgive (v.) Old form(s): misgiues, mis-giues
have misgivings, have a bad feeling Headword location(s)
misgive (v.) Old form(s): mis-giue , misgiues
make one feel uneasy, cause one to be apprehensive Headword location(s)
misgive (v.) Old form(s): misgiues
be uneasy about, feel apprehension about Headword location(s)
misgoverned (adj.) Old form(s): mis-gouern'd
unruly, unrestrained Headword location(s)
misgovernment (n.) Old form(s): misgouernment
misconduct, wicked behaviour Headword location(s)
misgraffed (adj.)
badly grafted, ill-matched, unsuited Headword location(s)
mishap (n.)
evil, misfortune, calamity Headword location(s)
mishaved (adj.)
badly behaved Headword location(s)
mislike (n.)
dislike, distaste, displeasure Headword location(s)
mislike (v.)
dislike, be displeased with Headword location(s)
misordered (adj.) Old form(s): mis-order'd
disordered, confused, troubled Headword location(s)
misplace (v.)
put words in the wrong place Headword location(s)
misprise (v.) Old form(s): misprised, Mis-prizing
despise, undervalue, scorn Headword location(s)
misprised (adj.) Old form(s): mispris'd
mistaken, misguided, erroneous Headword location(s)
misprising (n.) Old form(s): misprising
despising, slighting, holding in contempt Headword location(s)
misprision (n.)
mistake, error, misunderstanding, misconception Headword location(s)
misprision (n.)
contempt, scorn, disdain Headword location(s)
misproud (adj.)
wrongly proud, arrogant, high and mighty Headword location(s)
misreport (v.) Old form(s): mis-report
speak badly of, slander Headword location(s)
miss (n.) Old form(s): misse
wrong-doing, misbehaviour, misdeed Headword location(s)
miss (v.) Old form(s): misse
forgo, do without, go without Headword location(s)
miss (v.) Old form(s): misse
fail to meet, let down Headword location(s)
miss (v.)
be unsuccessful, be inadequate Headword location(s)
missed (adj.) Old form(s): mist
lost, missing, forgotten Headword location(s)
misshapen (adj.) Old form(s): Mishapen
gone awry, badly directed Headword location(s)
mis-sheathe (v.) Old form(s): misheathed
sheathe wrongly Headword location(s)
missing (n.)
absence, disappearance, non-attendance [at court] Headword location(s)
missingly (adv.)
by being aware of absence, with a sense of loss Headword location(s)
missive (n.) Old form(s): Misiue
messenger, emissary, courier Headword location(s)
misspeak (v.) Old form(s): mispoke
speak inaccurately, express badly Headword location(s)
mist (n.)
confused state, state of uncertainty Headword location(s)
mistake (v.)
misunderstand, take wrongly, misconceive Headword location(s)
mistake (v.)
offend, transgress (against) Headword location(s)
mistake (v.) Old form(s): misstooke, mistaine
act in error, perform the wrong action Headword location(s)
mistake (v.) Old form(s): mistooke
wrongly deliver, take to the wrong person Headword location(s)
mistempered (adj.) Old form(s): mistemper'd
tempered for wickedness, made with evil intent Headword location(s)
mistempered (adj.) Old form(s): mistempred
disordered, diseased, deranged Headword location(s)
mistful (adj.) Old form(s): mixtfull
misty, tearful Headword location(s)
misthink (v.) Old form(s): Mis-thinke
think ill of, have a bad opinion about Headword location(s)
misthought (adj.) Old form(s): mis-thoght
misjudged, thought ill of Headword location(s)
mistreading (n.)
misdeed, transgression, faulty step Headword location(s)
mistress (n.)
(bowls) the jack - the smaller bowl at which the players aim Headword location(s)
mistrust (n.)
suspicion, distrust, strong doubt Headword location(s)
mistrust (v.)
suspect the existence of, apprehend, anticipate Headword location(s)
mistrustful (adj.) Old form(s): mistrustfull
fearful, intimidating, raising concern Headword location(s)
misuse (n.) Old form(s): misvse
misbehaviour, transgression, impropriety Headword location(s)
misuse (v.) Old form(s): misus'd , misusde
disgrace, deride, abuse Headword location(s)
misuse (v.)
deceive, delude, fool Headword location(s)
mitigate (v.) Old form(s): mittigate
appease, pacify, calm Headword location(s)
mitigate (v.) Old form(s): mittigate
moderate, reduce the severity of Headword location(s)
mitigation (n.)
lowering, softening, quietening Headword location(s)
mo, moe (adj.)
more [in number] Headword location(s)
moan (n.) Old form(s): moane, mone
grief, lamentation, sorrow, complaint Headword location(s)
moan (n.) Old form(s): mone
plaintiveness, mournfulness, melancholy Headword location(s)
mobled (adj.)
with face muffled up, veiled Headword location(s)
mock (n.) Old form(s): mocke , mockes
act of mockery, mocking remark, derisive action, scornful irony see also arch-mock (n.) Headword location(s)
mock (n.) Old form(s): mocke
mockery, derision, ridicule Headword location(s)
mock (v.) Old form(s): mock'd
make fun of, ridicule Headword location(s)
mock (v.) Old form(s): mock'd
imitate, mimic, copy Headword location(s)
mock (v.) Old form(s): mock'd, mocke
deceive, delude, mislead Headword location(s)
mock (v.) Old form(s): mocke
disprove, defy, disappoint Headword location(s)
mocked, well Old form(s): mock'd
make a jocular riposte, evade an argument using flattery Headword location(s)
mockery (adj.)
mocking, derisive Headword location(s)
mockery (n.) Old form(s): Mock'rie
subject of ridicule, object of derision Headword location(s)
mocking (n.)
imitation, representation, impression Headword location(s)
model (n.) Old form(s): Modell
replica, image, copy Headword location(s)
model (n.) Old form(s): Modell
microcosm, miniature, tiny replica Headword location(s)
model (n.) Old form(s): Modell
ground-plan, layout, outline Headword location(s)
model (n.) Old form(s): Modell
design, blueprint, ground plan Headword location(s)
modern (adj.) Old form(s): moderne
ordinary, trite, commonplace, everyday Headword location(s)
modest (adj.)
moderate, uninflated, free from exaggeration Headword location(s)
modest (adj.)
decorous, seemly, not offending modesty Headword location(s)
modest (adj.)
moderate, reasonable, mild, limited Headword location(s)
modestly (adv.)
without exaggeration, in due measure Headword location(s)
modesty (n.)
feeling of shame, sense of propriety Headword location(s)
modesty (n.) Old form(s): Modestie
moderation, restraint, discipline Headword location(s)
modesty (n.) Old form(s): modestie
propriety, protocol, seemly behaviour Headword location(s)
modesty (n.) Old form(s): modestie
chastity, virtue, propriety Headword location(s)
modicum (n.)
limited quantity, tiny amount Headword location(s)
Modo (n.)
[pron: 'mohdoh] in Christian tradition, the name of a devil see also Religious personalities and beings Headword location(s)
module (n.)
image, pattern, model, empty pretence Headword location(s)
moe (adj.)
more [in number] see also mo (adj.) Headword location(s)
moiety (n.) Old form(s): Moity, moyitie, moytie
share, portion, part Headword location(s)
moiety (n.) Old form(s): Moitie , moity , Moytie
half, equal share Headword location(s)
moist (adj.)
watery, rheumy Headword location(s)
moist (adj.) Old form(s): moyst
damp, dripping, dewy Headword location(s)
moist (v.) Old form(s): moyst
moisten Headword location(s)
moist star
the Moon [because of its influence on the tides] Headword location(s)
moldwarp (n.) Old form(s): Moldwarpe
mole [animal] Headword location(s)
mole (n.)
blemish, fault Headword location(s)
molest (v.) Old form(s): mollest
vex, annoy, bother Headword location(s)
molestation (n.) Old form(s): mollestation
disturbance, distress, upset Headword location(s)
mollification (n.)
appeasement, placating, pacifying Headword location(s)
mollis...
soft air see also Latin Headword location(s)
mome (n.) Old form(s): Mome
blockhead, fool, dolt Headword location(s)
moment (n.)
importance, weight, consequence Headword location(s)
moment (n.)
cause, motive, consideration Headword location(s)
moment, on the
immediately, instantly Headword location(s)
momentany (adj.)
momentary, transitory, fleeting Headword location(s)
monarchize (v.)
perform the role of a monarch, play a king's part Headword location(s)
monarcho, Monarco (n.)
[pron: 'monahrkoh] vain hanger-on at court, pretentious absurdity see also Contemporary figures, factual and fictitious Headword location(s)
monopoly (n.)
exclusive trading right granted by the sovereign Headword location(s)
monsieur (n.)
French gentleman Headword location(s)
monster (n.)
cuckold, victim of adultery Headword location(s)
monster (n.)
marvel, monstrosity, prodigy Headword location(s)
monster (v.) Old form(s): monster'd
describe as something wonderful, make into an unnatural marvel Headword location(s)
monster (v.)
make a monster of Headword location(s)
monstrous (adj.)
unnatural, outlandish, aberrant Headword location(s)
monstrous (adv.)
exceedingly, wonderfully, extraordinarily Headword location(s)
monstruosity (n.) Old form(s): monstruositie
monstrosity, extraordinary nature Headword location(s)
montant (n.)
[fencing] upward thrust Headword location(s)
monument (n.)
memory, memorial, remembrance Headword location(s)
monument (n.)
portent, warning, sign Headword location(s)
monument (n.)
tomb, burial chamber Headword location(s)
monument (n.)
effigy, carved figure, statue Headword location(s)
monumental (adj.) Old form(s): monumentall
kept as a memento, serving as a token Headword location(s)
monumental (adj.) Old form(s): monumentall
serving as a monument, providing a memorial Headword location(s)
mood (n.)
mode, manner, variety Headword location(s)
mood (n.) Old form(s): moode
frame of mind, mental state Headword location(s)
mood (n.) Old form(s): moode
anger, fury, frenzy, fit of temper Headword location(s)
mood (n.) Old form(s): Moode
mode, tune, key Headword location(s)
moody (adj.) Old form(s): moodie
angry, wrathful, rancorous, sullen Headword location(s)
moody (adj.)
melancholy, sombre, gloomy Headword location(s)
moody-mad (adj.) Old form(s): moodie mad
wild with rage, furiously angry Headword location(s)
moon, below the Old form(s): Moone
of this world, not spiritual Headword location(s)
mooncalf (n.) Old form(s): Moone-calfe
monstrosity, misshapen creature, monster Headword location(s)
moonish (adj.)
changeable, fickle, capricious Headword location(s)
moonshine (n.)
month Headword location(s)
moonshine (n.)
moonlight Headword location(s)
moonshine in the water Old form(s): Mooneshine
nothing, a thing of nought Headword location(s)
Moorditch (n.)
filthy channel between Bishopsgate and Cripplegate, London see also London Headword location(s)
Moorfields (n.)
site once used for training militia, near Moorgate, London; later, a popular park see also London Headword location(s)
mop (n.) Old form(s): mop
grimace, pout Headword location(s)
mope (v.)
act aimlessly, be in a daze, wander about Headword location(s)
moped (adj.) Old form(s): mop't
bewildered, confused, in a daze Headword location(s)
moping (adv.)
in a daze, bewilderedly Headword location(s)
mopping (n.)
grimacing, making faces Headword location(s)
moral (adj.)
full of moral sentiments, arguing the pros and cons Headword location(s)
moral (adj.) Old form(s): morall
pointing a moral, allegorical Headword location(s)
moral (n.) Old form(s): Morall , morrall
hidden meaning, import, significance Headword location(s)
moral (n.) Old form(s): Morall
symbolic figure, allegory Headword location(s)
moral (v.) Old form(s): morall
moralize, sermonize Headword location(s)
moralise, moralize (v.)
explain, interpret Headword location(s)
moralize, moralise (v.) Old form(s): morallize
draw lessons from, interpret morally Headword location(s)
moralize, moralise (v.)
teach by example, use illustration to make a point Headword location(s)
moraller (n.)
moralizer, self-critic Headword location(s)
more (adj.)
greater Headword location(s)
more (adj.)
older Headword location(s)
more (adv.)
furthermore; moreover see also Discourse markers Headword location(s)
more (n.)
additional amount, extra quantity Headword location(s)
more above
in addition, as well see also above (adv.) 2 Headword location(s)
more and less Old form(s): lesse
great and small Headword location(s)
more and less Old form(s): lesse
men of high and low rank Headword location(s)
more-having (n.) Old form(s): more-hauing
having more, amassing, acquiring Headword location(s)
moreover (adv.) Old form(s): Moreouer
as well as the fact, besides the fact Headword location(s)
morisco (n.)
morris dancer Headword location(s)
morn (n.) Old form(s): morne
morning, dawn see also Frequently Encountered Words (FEW) Headword location(s)
morn-dew (n.) Old form(s): Morne-dew
morning dew Headword location(s)
morris (n.) Old form(s): Morrisse
morris dance Headword location(s)
morris, nine men's
area marked out in squares for playing nine men's morris [a type of open-air game using nine ‘men’ on each side] Headword location(s)
morris-pike (n.) Old form(s): Moris Pike
type of pike [thought to be of Moorish origin] see also pike (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
morrow (n.)
morning see also Farewells Headword location(s)
morrow (n.)
morning see also Greetings Headword location(s)
morsel (n.) Old form(s): morsell
dish, mouthful, piece of flesh Headword location(s)
mort (n.)
death, dying moment Headword location(s)
mortal (adj.) Old form(s): mortall
fatal, deadly, lethal Headword location(s)
mortal (adj.) Old form(s): mortall
human, subject to death, characterized by mortality Headword location(s)
mortal (adv.) Old form(s): mortall
fatally, lethally, destructively Headword location(s)
mortality (n.) Old form(s): Mortalitie
death Headword location(s)
mortality (n.) Old form(s): Mortalitie
mortal nature, human life Headword location(s)
mortality (n.)
deadliness, mortification, deadly situation Headword location(s)
mortally (adv.)
of human origin Headword location(s)
mortally (adv.)
grievously, bitterly, intensely Headword location(s)
mortal-staring (adj.) Old form(s): mortall staring
with death-like glare, lethally penetrating Headword location(s)
mortar-piece (n.) Old form(s): Morter-piece
type of small high-firing cannon see also Weapons Headword location(s)
mortar-piece (n.) Old form(s): Morter-piece
type of small high-firing cannon see also piece (n.) 7 Headword location(s)
mortgage (v.) Old form(s): morgag'd
pledge, contract, bind Headword location(s)
mortified (adj.)
deadened, dead to feeling, numbed Headword location(s)
mortified (adj.) Old form(s): mortify'd
dying to sin, put under subjection Headword location(s)
mortified (adj.)
dead to earthly pleasures, insensible to worldly desires Headword location(s)
mortifying (adj.)
killing, deadly, lethal Headword location(s)
mortise (v.) Old form(s): mortiz'd
fit together, join tightly [like pieces of wood] Headword location(s)
mose in the chine
[unclear meaning] be in the final stages of the glanders Headword location(s)
most (adj.)
utmost, maximum Headword location(s)
mot (n.)
motto, words on a device Headword location(s)
mote (n.) Old form(s): moats , Moth
speck of dust, tiny particle, trifle see also beam (n.) 5 Headword location(s)
mother (n.)
womanish qualities Headword location(s)
mother (n.)
stepmother, mother-in-law see also Family Headword location(s)
mother-wit Old form(s): mother wit
natural intelligence Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
[fencing] attack, execution Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
proposal, proposition, suggestion, offer Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
orbit, rhythm of movement Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
cause, prompting, provocation Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
urging, prompting, encouragement Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
bowel movement Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
puppet-show Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
expression, grimace; or: agitation, emotion Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
power to act normally, reaction, faculties Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
inner movement, inward prompting, natural impulse, imagining Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
act of moving, movement, stirring Headword location(s)
motion (n.)
emotion, inclination, desire, impulse Headword location(s)
motion (v.)
advocate, propose, promote Headword location(s)
motive (n.) Old form(s): motiue
impulse, prompting, incitement Headword location(s)
motive (n.) Old form(s): motiue
instrument, agent, moving organ Headword location(s)
motive (n.) Old form(s): Motiues
inspiration, incentive, mover Headword location(s)
motive (n.) Old form(s): motiue , motiues
cause, mover, instigator Headword location(s)
motley (adj.)
in the distinctive [multicoloured] dress of a fool Headword location(s)
motley (n.)
distinctive dress of a fool Headword location(s)
motley (n.)
fool Headword location(s)
motley-minded (adj.)
muddle-headed, foolish-minded Headword location(s)
mought (v.)
might (in the sense of 'could') Headword location(s)
mould (n.)
model, pattern, paradigm Headword location(s)
mould (n.)
soil, earth, clay Headword location(s)
mould (n.)
nature, frame, character Headword location(s)
mould (v.)
model, shape, fashion Headword location(s)
mould up (v.) Old form(s): vp
go to create, help to form Headword location(s)
moulten (adj.)
having moulted Headword location(s)
mount (v.)
ascend, rise up, climb Headword location(s)
mount (v.)
cause to boil, make rise Headword location(s)
mount, on
conspicuously, for all to see Headword location(s)
mountain (adj.) Old form(s): Mountaine
pre-eminent, larger than life Headword location(s)
mountaineer (n.) Old form(s): Mountainers, Mountayneeres
[often contemptuous] mountain-dweller, native of the mountains Headword location(s)
mountain-foot (n.) Old form(s): Mountaine foote
foothills Headword location(s)
mountain-squire (n.)
squire of barren land see also squire (n.) 5 Headword location(s)
mountant (adj.)
mounting, rising, always being lifted up Headword location(s)
mountanto (n.)
[directional thrust in fencing] fencer, duellist Headword location(s)
mountebank (n.) Old form(s): Mountebanke, Mountebankes
itinerant quack, travelling drug-seller, charlatan Headword location(s)
mountebank (v.) Old form(s): Mountebanke
win over by plausible trickery Headword location(s)
mounted (adj.)
exalted, high, lofty Headword location(s)
mounting (adj.)
ambitious, aspiring, rising Headword location(s)
mournful (adj.) Old form(s): mournefull
heartbreaking, distressing, causing sorrow Headword location(s)
mourningly (adv.)
in a spirit of mourning Headword location(s)
mouse (n.)
[in playful address] little one see also Address forms Headword location(s)
mouse (v.)
tear, bite, rend Headword location(s)
mouse-hunt (n.)
mouse-hunter; prowler, pursuer of women Headword location(s)
mouth (n.)
bark, baying, howl Headword location(s)
mouth (n.)
mouthpiece, spokesman Headword location(s)
mouth (n.)
utterance, expression, voice Headword location(s)
mouth (v.) Old form(s): mouth'd
take into the mouth Headword location(s)
mouth (v.)
join mouths, kiss erotically, snog Headword location(s)
mouthed (adj.)
open-mouthed, yawning, gaping Headword location(s)
mouth-friend (n.)
friend in word only; or: friend won by feeding Headword location(s)
mouth-honour (n.) Old form(s): Mouth-honor
honour shown in words not deeds Headword location(s)
mouths, make
make faces, grimace, show scorn Headword location(s)
movable, moveable (n.) Old form(s): moueables
(plural) personal possessions, private effects, pieces of property Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): moou'd , mou'd , moue , moued
encourage, instigate, prompt Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): moou'd , moud, mou'd , moue , moued, Moues , mou'st , mov'd
arouse, affect, stir [by emotion] Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): Mooude , mooue , mou'd , moue
move to anger, provoke, exasperate Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): mou'd
woo, make a proposal to, make a move towards Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): moou'd, mou'd , moue
appeal to, urge, exhort Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): moues
shake one's resolve, alter one's position Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): moue
persuade, influence, talk encouragingly to Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): mou'd
raise an issue [with], mention a matter [to] Headword location(s)
move (v.) Old form(s): moue
raise, bring up, introduce Headword location(s)
moveable (n.)
(plural) personal possessions, private effects, pieces of property see also movable, moveable (n.) Headword location(s)
moved (adj.) Old form(s): mou'd , moued
upset, agitated, distressed Headword location(s)
moved (adj.) Old form(s): mou'd
in a bad temper, angered, exasperated Headword location(s)
moved (adj.) Old form(s): mou'd , mooued , moued
aroused, provoked, exasperated Headword location(s)
mover (n.) Old form(s): mouers
active fellow, operator Headword location(s)
moving (n.) Old form(s): moouing
power to move, affecting, stirring Headword location(s)
mow (n.) Old form(s): mowe, mowes
derisive grimace, pout, mocking expression Headword location(s)
mow (v.) Old form(s): moe
grimace, pout, make mouths Headword location(s)
mowing (n.)
grimacing, making mouths Headword location(s)
moy (n.)
[misunderstanding of French ‘moi’] type of coin; measure of goods Headword location(s)
much (adj.)
serious, of great matter Headword location(s)
much (adj.)
hard, difficult Headword location(s)
much (adj.)
great, flagrant, brazen Headword location(s)
much (adv.)
very Headword location(s)
much (adv.)
very largely, to a great extent Headword location(s)
much (int.)
expression of scornful disbelief, incredulity see also Exclamations Headword location(s)
mud (v.)
bury in mud Headword location(s)
mud (v.) Old form(s): Mudde
muddy, make foul Headword location(s)
muddied (adj.)
stirred up, disturbed, agitated Headword location(s)
muddied (adj.)
covered in mud, made filthy Headword location(s)
muddy (adj.) Old form(s): muddie
[of a young deer] sluggish, lazy see also rascal (n.) Headword location(s)
muddy (adj.)
at a loss, confused, all at sea Headword location(s)
muddy (adj.)
dull-witted, muddle-headed Headword location(s)
muddy (adj.)
dirty, foul Headword location(s)
muddy (adj.)
made of clay, resembling mud Headword location(s)
muddy-mettled (adj.) Old form(s): muddy-metled
sluggish, dull-spirited Headword location(s)
muffle (v.)
hide, conceal, camouflage Headword location(s)
muffled (adj.) Old form(s): muffeld
blindfolded, covered up Headword location(s)
muleteer, muleter (n.) Old form(s): Militers
mule-driver Headword location(s)
mulled (adj.) Old form(s): mull'd
stupefied, dull, numb Headword location(s)
Mulmutius (n.)
[pron: mul'mootius] early king of the Britons see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
multiplied (adj.)
many-headed, myriad, multiple Headword location(s)
multipotent (adj.)
most powerful Headword location(s)
multitude (n.)
large numbers, great host Headword location(s)
multitudinous (adj.)
belonging to the multitude Headword location(s)
multitudinous (adj.)
myriad, innumerable; or: containing multitudes [of creatures] Headword location(s)
mum (adj.)
silent, mute, saying nothing Headword location(s)
mum (int.) Old form(s): mumme
be quiet, shush see also Attention signals Headword location(s)
mumble (v.)
grumble [beneath the breath], complain, mutter Headword location(s)
mumble-news (n.) Old form(s): mumble-newes
tale-bearer, tattler, gossip Headword location(s)
mummer (n.)
actor in a dumb-show Headword location(s)
mummy (n.) Old form(s): Mummie
dead flesh, pulp Headword location(s)
mummy (n.) Old form(s): Mummey
preparation made from mummies Headword location(s)
mundane (adj.) Old form(s): mundaine
worldly, earthly Headword location(s)
muniment (n.)
support, furnishing, provision Headword location(s)
mural (n.) Old form(s): morall
[disputed reading: mure all] wall see also mure (n.) Headword location(s)
murder, murther (n.)
wound, gash [serious enough to cause death] Headword location(s)
murder, murther (v.)
tear off, mangle, destroy see also murther (n./v.) Headword location(s)
murdering-piece (n.) Old form(s): murdering Peece
type of weapon which scatters lethal projectiles see also Weapons Headword location(s)
murdering-piece (n.) Old form(s): murdering Peece
type of weapon which scatters lethal projectiles see also piece (n.) 7 Headword location(s)
mure (n.)
wall see also mural (n.) Headword location(s)
murmur (n.) Old form(s): murmure
rumour, hearsay, gossip Headword location(s)
murrain (n.) Old form(s): Murren
plague, pestilence see also Swearing Headword location(s)
murrion (adj.)
infected with plague [murrain], diseased Headword location(s)
murther (n./v.)
variant spelling of ‘murder’ see also murder (n.) Headword location(s)
murther (n./v.)
variant spelling of ‘murder’ see also murder (v.) Headword location(s)
muscadel (n.) Old form(s): Muscadell
type of strong sweet wine Headword location(s)
Muse (n.)
one of the nine goddesses in Greek mythology, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who gave artistic inspiration; also called the Helicons, as they lived on Mt Helicon see also Helicons (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
muse (v.)
complain, deplore, be astonished Headword location(s)
muse (v.)
wonder, be surprised Headword location(s)
muse (v.)
grumble, moan Headword location(s)
muse (v.)
wonder at, marvel at Headword location(s)
muse (v.)
wonder, speculate, ponder Headword location(s)
muset, musit (n.)
[of a hare] hiding-place, lair Headword location(s)
mushrump (n.)
mushroom Headword location(s)
music (n.)
[in expressions] see also ply his music Headword location(s)
music (n.) Old form(s): Musicke , musique
musicians, players Headword location(s)
musit (n.)
[of a hare] hiding place, lair see also muset (n.) Headword location(s)
musk-cat (n.) Old form(s): Muscat
musk-deer [from which musk is obtained]; sweetly scented creature Headword location(s)
musket (n.)
early form of rifle see also Weapons Headword location(s)
muss (n.) Old form(s): musse
type of children's game in which players scramble for things thrown on the ground Headword location(s)
mussel-shell (n.)
empty-head, gaping idiot [with mouth open like a mussel-shell] Headword location(s)
mustachio (adj.)
moustached, bewhiskered Headword location(s)
mustachio (n.)
moustache Headword location(s)
muster (n.)
(plural) groups of soldiers, ranks Headword location(s)
muster (n.)
(plural) enlistment of soldiers, mobilizing of troops Headword location(s)
muster (v.) Old form(s): muster'd
recruit, enlist, enrol Headword location(s)
muster (v.) Old form(s): mustring
assemble, gather together [at], rush Headword location(s)
muster (v.)
display, illustrate, exhibit Headword location(s)
muster-file (n.) Old form(s): muster file
official list of men Headword location(s)
mutability (n.)
fickleness, inconstancy, caprice Headword location(s)
mutation (n.)
changeableness, instability, vacillation Headword location(s)
mute (n.)
dumb servant [as in a Turkish court] Headword location(s)
mute (n.)
actor with no words to say, silent spectator Headword location(s)
mutine (n.)
mutineer, rebel Headword location(s)
mutine (v.)
rebel, revolt, mutiny Headword location(s)
mutiny (n.) Old form(s): Mutinie
riot, civil disturbance, state of discord Headword location(s)
mutiny (n.) Old form(s): mutinie
rebellion, revolt, quarrel Headword location(s)
mutton (n.)
sheep Headword location(s)
mutton (n.)
prostitute, courtesan Headword location(s)
mutual (adj.) Old form(s): mutuall
well-matched, complementary Headword location(s)
mutual (adj.) Old form(s): mutuall
common, general, omnipresent Headword location(s)
mutual (adj.) Old form(s): mutuall
intimate, private, innermost Headword location(s)
mutual (adj.) Old form(s): mutuall
with parts united, well-ordered Headword location(s)
mutuality (n.)
intimacy, familiar exchange, intimate dealing Headword location(s)
mutually (adv.)
all together, jointly Headword location(s)
mynheer (n.) Old form(s): An-heires
[variant reading] [Dutch] gentleman see also ameer (n.) Headword location(s)
Myrmidons (n.)
[pron: 'mermidonz] band of warriors from Thessaly who went to the Trojan War with Achilles see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Myrmidons (n.)
[pron: 'mermidonz] band of warriors from Thessaly who went to the Trojan War with Achilles see also Achilles (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
mystery (n.) Old form(s): mysterie
trade, office, occupation Headword location(s)
mystery (n.) Old form(s): mysterie
mastery, art, skill Headword location(s)
mystery (n.)
way of behaving Headword location(s)
mystery (n.) Old form(s): mysterie
secret matter, inexplicable essence Headword location(s)
Mytilene (n.)
[pron: 'mitilen] city in Lesbos, Greece see also World [outside Britain], places and peoples Headword location(s)
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