Part 71

MAGNET, mag'net, _n._ the lodestone, an iron ore which attracts iron, and, when hung so that it can move freely, points to the poles: a bar or piece of steel to which the properties of the lodestone have been imparted.--_adjs._ MAGNET'IC, -AL, pertaining to the magnet: having the properties of the magnet: attractive.--_adv._ MAGNET'ICALLY.--_ns._ MAGNETIC'IAN, MAG'NETIST, one versed in magnetism.--_adj._ MAGNETIS'ABLE.--_n._ MAGNETIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ MAG'NETISE, to render magnetic: to attract as if by a magnet.--_v.i._ to become magnetic.--_ns._ MAG'NETISER, one who, or that which, imparts magnetism; MAG'NETISM, the cause of the attractive power of the magnet: attraction: the science which treats of the properties of the magnet--(ANIMAL MAGNETISM, Mesmer's name for the phenomena of mesmerism; TERRESTRIAL MAGNETISM, the magnetic properties possessed by the earth as a whole); MAG'NETIST, one skilled in magnetism.--_adjs._ MAG'NETO-ELEC'TRIC, -AL, pertaining to magneto-electricity.--_ns._ MAG'NETO-ELECTRIC'ITY, electricity produced by the action of magnets: the science which treats of electricity produced by magnetism; BAR'-MAG'NET, a magnet in the form of a bar.--MAGNETIC BATTERY, several magnets placed with their like poles together, so as to act with great force; MAGNETIC CURVES, the curves formed by iron-filings around the poles of a magnet; MAGNETIC EQUATOR, the line round the earth where the magnetic needle remains horizontal; MAGNETIC FIELD, the space over which magnetic force is felt; MAGNETIC FLUID, a hypothetical fluid assumed to explain the phenomena of magnetism; MAGNETIC MERIDIAN, the meridian lying in the direction in which the magnetic needle points; MAGNETIC NEEDLE, the light bar in the mariner's compass which, because it is magnetised, points always to the north; MAGNETIC NORTH, that point of the horizon which is indicated by the direction of the magnetic needle; MAGNETIC POLES, two nearly opposite points on the earth's surface, where the dip of the needle is 90deg; MAGNETIC STORM, a disturbance in the magnetism of the earth or air, which causes the magnetic needle to move rapidly backwards and forwards.--ARTIFICIAL MAGNET, a magnet made by rubbing with other magnets; HORSE-SHOE MAGNET, a magnet bent like a horse-shoe; PERMANENT MAGNET, a magnet that keeps its magnetism after the force which magnetised it has been removed. [Through O. Fr., from L. _magnes_, a magnet--Gr. _magn[=e]s_=Magnesian stone, from _Magn[=e]sia_, in Lydia or Thessaly.]

MAGNIFICAT, mag-nif'i-kat, _n._ the song of the Virgin Mary, Luke, i. 46-55, beginning in the Vulgate with this word. [L. '(my soul) doth magnify,' 3d pers. sing. pres. ind. of _magnific[=a]re_.]

MAGNIFICENT, mag-nif'i-sent, _adj._ great in deeds or in appearance: grand: noble: pompous: displaying greatness of size or extent.--_n._ MAGNIF'ICENCE.--_adv._ MAGNIF'ICENTLY.--_n._ MAGNIF'ICO (_Shak._), a title for a Venetian nobleman: a grandee.

MAGNIFY, mag'ni-f[=i], _v.t._ to make great or greater: to enlarge: to cause to appear greater: to exaggerate: to praise highly:--_pa.p._ mag'nified.--_adjs._ MAG'NIFIABLE, that may be magnified; MAGNIF'IC, -AL, great: splendid: noble.--_adv._ MAGNIF'ICALLY, in a magnificent manner.--_ns._ MAGNIFIC[=A]'TION, act of magnifying: increase of visual power in penetration as well as enlargement; MAG'NIFIER, one who, or that which, magnifies or enlarges: one who extols.--MAGNIFY ONE'S SELF, show great pride--AGAINST, oppose with pride; MAGNIFYING GLASS, in optics, a convex lens, objects seen through it having their apparent dimensions increased. [Fr.,--L. _magnific[=a]re_--_magnus_, great, _fac[)e]re_, to make.]

MAGNILOQUENT, mag-nil'o-kwent, _adj._ speaking in a grand or pompous style: bombastic.--_n._ MAGNIL'OQUENCE.--_adv._ MAGNIL'OQUENTLY. [L., from _magnus_, great, _loqui_, to speak.]

MAGNITUDE, mag'ni-t[=u]d, _n._ greatness: size: extent: importance. [L. _magnitudo_--_magnus_.]

MAGNOLIA, mag-n[=o]l'i-a, or -ya, _n._ a North American tree with beautiful foliage, and large, white or purplish, sweet-scented flowers. [From Pierre _Magnol_ (1638-1715), a Montpellier botanist.]

MAGNUM, mag'num, _n._ a bottle holding two quarts: the quantity of wine filling such. [L.]

MAGOT, mag'ot, _n._ the Barbary ape, the only species of monkey existing in Europe: a small grotesque figure, crouching on the covers of vases; &c.

MAGPIE, mag'p[=i], _n._ a chattering bird, of a genus allied to the crow, with pied or coloured feathers: (_slang_) a halfpenny--(_Shak._) MAG'OT-PIE, MAGG'OT-PIE. [_Mag_, a familiar contr. of _Margaret_ (cf. _Robin-Redbreast_, _Jenny Wren_), _pie_, from L. _pica_, a magpie--_ping[)e]re_, _pictum_, to paint.]

MAGYAR, ma-j[:a]r', or mag'y[:a]r, _n._ one of the prevailing race in Hungary: the native speech of Hungary.

MAHABHARATA, ma-h[:a]-b[:a]'ra-t[:a], _n._ the name of one of the two great epic poems of ancient India, the other being the _Ramayana_. [Sans.; prob. 'the great history of the descendants of _Bharata_.']

MAHADEVA, ma-ha-d[=a]'va, _n._ one of the names of the Hindu god Siva. [Sans. _mah[=a]_, great, _deva_, god.]

MAHARAJAH, ma-ha-r[:a]'j[:a], _n._ the title given to a great Indian prince:--_fem._ MAHARA'NI, MAHARA'NEE. [Sans. _mah[=a]_, great, _r[=a]ja_, prince or king.]

MAHATMA, ma-hat'ma, _n._ one skilled in mysteries or religious secrets: an adept. [Sans., 'high-souled.']

MAHDI, m[:a]'d[=e], _n._ the great leader of the faithful Mohammedans, who is to appear in the last days--one pretended Mahdi overthrew the Egyptian power in the Soudan in 1884-85.--_ns._ MAH'DISM; MAH'DIST.

MAHL-STICK, m[:a]l'-stik, _n._ a tapering staff used by painters as a rest for the right hand.--Also MAL'STICK, MAUL'STICK. [Ger. _mahlstock_.]

MAHOGANY, ma-hog'a-ni, _n._ a tree of tropical America: its wood, which is of great value for making furniture.--_n._ MAHOG'ANY-TREE, same as mahogany: (_hum._) the dinner-table. [_Mahogoni_, the native South American name.]

MAHOMEDAN, MAHOMETAN. See MOHAMMEDAN.

MAHOUN, MAHOUND, ma-hown', ma-hownd', or m[:a]'-, _n._ an old form of the name of _Mohammed_: an evil spirit: the devil.

MAHOUT, ma-h[=oo]t', _n._ the keeper and driver of an elephant. [Hind. _mah[=a]ut_, _mah[=a]wat_.]

MAHRATTA, ma-rat'a, _n._ one of a once powerful race of Hindus in Western and Central India.

MAID, m[=a]d, _n._ an unmarried woman, esp. one young: a virgin: a female servant.--_ns._ MAID'-CHILD (_B._), a female child; MAID'-M[=A]'RIAN, the May-queen; a character in the old Morris-dance, usually represented by a man in woman's clothes (_Marian_, relating to Mary or to the Virgin Mary).--_adj._ MAID'-PALE (_Shak._), pale, like a sick girl.--_n._ MAID'SERVANT, a female servant.--MAID OF ALL WORK, a domestic who does general housework; OLD MAID, a woman left unmarried: a card game. [A.S. _maegden_--_maegedh_, a maid; cf. _magu_, son, _m['ae]g_, may.]

MAIDAN, m[=i]'dan, _n._ an esplanade or parade-ground near a town in Persia and India. [Pers.]

MAIDEN, m[=a]d'n, _n._ a maid: in Scotland, a machine like the guillotine, formerly used for beheading criminals.--_adj._ pertaining to a virgin or young woman: consisting of maidens: (_fig._) unpolluted: fresh: new: unused: first: that has never been captured, said of a fortress.--_ns._ MAID'ENHAIR, a name given to a fern from the fine hair-like stalks of its fronds; MAID'ENHOOD, MAID'ENHEAD, the state of being a maid: virginity: purity: freshness; MAID'ENLINESS.--_adjs._ MAID'ENLY, maiden-like: becoming a maiden: gentle: modest; MAID'EN-MEEK (_Tenn._), meek as a maiden; MAID'EN-TONGUED, gentle in voice like a girl; MAID'EN-WID'OWED, widowed while still a virgin.--_n._ MAID'HOOD (_Shak._).--MAIDEN ASSIZE, an assize at which there are no criminal cases; MAIDEN BATTLE, a first contest; MAIDEN FORTRESS, a fortress that has never been captured; MAIDEN NAME, the family name of a married woman before her marriage; MAIDEN OVER, in cricket, an over in which no runs are made; MAIDEN SPEECH, the first public speech made by a person, esp. in Parliament; MAIDEN STAKES, in horse-racing, the money contended for in a race between horses that have never run before.

MAIEUTIC, m[=a]-[=u]'tik, _adj._ helping childbirth.--_n._ midwifery. [Gr.]

MAIGRE, m[=a]'g[.e]r, _adj._ made neither from flesh-meat nor from gravy: belonging to a fast-day or to a fast.--MAIGRE FOOD, food allowed to be eaten on fast-days. [Fr. _maigre_, lean--L. _macer_.]

MAIL, m[=a]l, _n._ defensive armour for the body formed of steel rings or network: armour generally.--_v.t._ to clothe in mail: (_Scot._) to stain.--_adjs._ MAIL'-CLAD, clad with a coat of mail; MAILED, protected by mail. [Fr. _maille_--L. _macula_, a spot or a mesh.]

MAIL, m[=a]l, _n._ a bag for the conveyance of letters, &c.: the contents of such a bag: the person or the carriage by which the mail is conveyed.--_v.t._ to put into the mail: to send by mail.--_adj._ MAIL'ABLE, capable of being sent by mail.--_ns._ MAIL'-BAG, a bag in which letters are carried; MAIL'-BOAT, a boat which carries the public mails; MAIL'-CART, a cart in which mails are carried: a small cart, with long handles, for the amusement of children; MAIL'-CATCH'ER, an apparatus attached to a mail-carriage to catch up mail-bags while the train is in motion; MAIL'-COACH, -CAR, or -DRAG, the conveyance which carries the public mails; MAIL'-GUARD, an officer who guards the public mails; MAIL'ING-T[=A]'BLE, a table used in a post-office in sorting letters; MAIL'-TRAIN, a railway train which carries the public mails. [O. Fr. _male_, a trunk, a mail--Old High Ger. _malaha_, a sack; Gael. _mala_, a sack.]

MAIL, m[=a]l, _n._ an old French coin--half a denier: rent.--_n._ MAIL'ING, a farm. [See BLACKMAIL.]

MAIM, m[=a]m, _n._ a bruise: an injury: a lameness: the loss of any essential part.--_v.t._ to bruise: to disfigure: to injure: to lame or cripple: to render defective.--_n._ MAIM'EDNESS, the state of being maimed or injured. [O. Fr. _mehaing_, a bruise.]

MAIN, m[=a]n, _n._ might: strength. [A.S. _maegen_.]

MAIN, m[=a]n, _adj._ chief, principal: first in importance: leading.--_n._ the chief or principal part: the ocean or main sea: a continent or a larger island as compared with a smaller: a principal gas or water pipe in a street, or the largest conductor in a system of electric lights.--_ns._ MAIN'BOOM, the spar which extends the foot of a fore-and-aft mainsail; MAIN'DECK, the principal deck of a ship--so in MAIN'BRACE, the brace attached to the mainyard (see SPLICE); MAIN'LAND, the principal or larger land, as opposed to a smaller portion.--_adv._ MAIN'LY, chiefly, principally.--_ns._ MAIN'MAST, the principal mast of a ship, second from the prow; MAIN'SAIL, the principal sail generally attached to the mainmast; MAIN'SHEET, the sheet or rope attached to the lower corner of the mainsail; MAIN'SPRING, the spring which gives motion to any piece of machinery, esp. that of a watch or a clock; MAIN'STAY, the rope which stretches forward from the top of the mainmast: chief support; MAIN'TOP, a platform on the top of the mainmast; MAIN'TOPMAST, the mast next above the lower mainmast; MAIN'TOPSAIL, the sail above the mainsail, in square-rigged vessels; MAIN'YARD, the lower yard on the mainmast. [O. Fr. _maine_ or _magne_, great--L. _magnus_, great.]

MAIN, m[=a]n, _n._ a hand at dice: a match at cockfighting: a banker's shovel for coin. [O. Fr. _main_--L. _manus_, hand.]

MAINOR, m[=a]'nor, _n._ act or fact, esp. of theft: that which is stolen.

MAINS, m[=a]nz, _n._ (_Scot._) the principal or home farm.

[Illustration]

MAINTAIN, men-t[=a]n', _v.t._ to keep in any state: to keep possession of: to preserve from capture or loss: to carry on: to keep up: to support: to make good: to support by argument: to affirm: to defend.--_v.i._ to affirm, as a position: to assert.--_adj._ MAINTAIN'ABLE, that can be supported or defended.--_ns._ MAINTAIN'ER, one who maintains; MAIN'TENANCE, the act of maintaining, supporting, or defending: continuance: the means of support: defence, protection: (_law_) an interference in a lawsuit, &c., in favour of one of the parties, by one who has no right or interest.--CAP OF MAINTENANCE, a cap of dignity borne by or before nobles and other persons of rank. [Fr. _maintenir_--L. _manu ten[=e]re_, to hold in the hand--_manus_, a hand, _ten[=e]re_, to hold.]

MAISTER, m[=a]s't[.e]r, _n._ an obsolete form of MASTER.--MAISTERY=MASTERY; MAISTRING=MASTERING; MA[^I]TRE=MASTER.

MAIZE, m[=a]z, _n._ a plant, and its fruit, called also _Indian corn_ or _wheat._ [Sp.,--Haitian.]

MAJESTY, maj'es-ti, _n._ greatness: grandeur: dignity: elevation of manner or style: royal state: a title of kings and other sovereigns, esp. with possessive pronouns, as _His_ or _Her Majesty_, &c.: a symbolic representation of the first person of the Trinity enthroned: the canopy of a hearse: (_her._) an eagle crowned and sceptred.--_adjs._ MAJES'TIC, -AL, having or exhibiting majesty: stately: sublime.--_adv._ MAJES'TICALLY, in a majestic manner.--_n._ MAJES'TICALNESS, MAJES'TICNESS, majesty. [Fr. _majest['e]_--L. _majestas_--_majus_, comp. of _magnus_, great.]

MAJOLICA, ma-jol'i-ka, _n._ name applied to decorative enamelled pottery, esp. that of Italy from the 15th to the 17th cent.: a modern ware in imitation, used for vases, &c. [From _Majorca_, where first made.]

MAJOR, m[=a]'jur, _adj._ greater in number, quantity, or size: more important: (_mus._) greater by a semitone.--_n._ a person of full age (21 years): an officer in rank between a captain and lieutenant-colonel.--_v.i._ to play the major, to talk big.--_ns._ MAJORAT (ma-zh[=o]-r[:a]'), primogeniture; M[=A]'JORATE, M[=A]'JORSHIP, the office or rank of major: majority; M[=A]'JOR-D[=O]'MO, an official who has the general management in a large household: a general steward: a chief minister (Sp. _mayor-domo_, a house-steward--L. _major_, greater, _domus_, a house); M[=A]'JOR-GEN'ERAL, an officer in the army next in rank below a lieutenant-general; MAJOR'ITY, the greater number: the amount between the greater and the less number: full age (at 21): the office or rank of major.--MAJOR KEY (_mus._), a key in which the semitones lie between the third and fourth, and seventh and eighth; MAJOR PREMISE (_logic_), the principal or major statement in a syllogism; MAJOR SCALE (see MAJOR KEY).--GO OVER TO, or JOIN, THE MAJORITY, to die; THE MAJORITY, the GREAT MAJORITY, the dead. [L., comp. of _magnus_.]

MAJUSCULE, m[=a]-jus'k[=u]l, _n._ in paleography, a capital or uncial letter:--opp. to _Minuscule_. [L. _majuscula_ (_litera_), a somewhat larger letter.]

MAKE, m[=a]k, _v.t._ to fashion, frame, or form: to produce: to bring about: to perform: to force: to render: to represent, or cause to appear to be: to turn: to occasion: to bring into any state or condition: to establish: to prepare: to obtain: to ascertain: to arrive in sight of: to reach: (_B._) to be occupied with: to do.--_v.i._ to tend or move: to contribute: (_B._) to feign or pretend:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ m[=a]de.--_n._ form or shape: structure, texture.--_v.i._ MAKE'-BELIEVE', to pretend, feign.--_n._ a mere pretence.--_ns._ MAKE'-PEACE (_Shak._), a peace-maker; MAK'ER, one who makes: the Creator: a poet; MAKE'SHIFT, something done or used to serve a shift or turn: something used only for a time.--_adj._ having the character of a temporary resource.--_ns._ MAKE'-UP, the way anything is arranged: an actor's materials for personating a part: (_print._) the arrangement of composed types into columns or pages, as in imposition; MAKE'-WEIGHT, that which is thrown into a scale to make up the weight: something of little value added to supply a deficiency; MAK'ING, the act of forming: structure: form.--MAKE ACCOUNT OF (see ACCOUNT); MAKE A FIGURE, to be conspicuous; MAKE AFTER, to follow or pursue; MAKE AMENDS, to render compensation or satisfaction; MAKE AS IF, to act as if, to pretend that; MAKE AT, to make a hostile movement against; MAKE AWAY, to put out of the way, to destroy; MAKE AWAY WITH, to squander; MAKE BELIEVE (see BELIEVE); MAKE BOLD (see BOLD); MAKE FOR, to move toward, to tend to the advantage of--so in _B._; MAKE FREE WITH, to treat freely or without ceremony; MAKE GOOD, to maintain, to justify, to fulfil; MAKE HEAD AGAINST, to oppose successfully; MAKE LIGHT of (see LIGHT); MAKE LITTLE OF, to treat as insignificant; MAKE LOVE TO (see LOVE); MAKE MUCH OF, to treat with fondness, to cherish, to foster; MAKE NO DOUBT, to have no doubt, to be confident; MAKE OF, to understand by, to effect: to esteem; MAKE OFF WITH, to run away with; MAKE ONE'S WAY, to proceed: to succeed; MAKE OUT, to discover: to prove: to furnish: to succeed; MAKE OVER, to remake, reconstruct: to transfer; MAKE PACE, to increase the speed; MAKE SAIL, to increase the quantity of sail: to set sail; MAKE SURE, to be certain of; MAKE SURE OF, to consider as certain, to secure to one's self; MAKE THE MOST OF, to use to the best advantage; MAKE UP, to fabricate: to feign: to collect into one: to complete, supplement: to assume a particular form of features: to determine: to reckon: to make good: to repair: to harmonise, adjust; MAKE UP FOR, to compensate; MAKE UP TO, to approach: to become friendly. [A.S. _macian_; Ger. _machen_.]

MAKE, m[=a]k, _n._ (_Spens._) a mate, consort, equal.--_adj._ MAKE'LESS (_Shak._), without a make or mate. [A.S. _ge-maca_; Ice. _maki_, a mate.]

MAKETH, m[=a]k'eth, old 3d pers. sing. pres. ind. of _make_.

MAKIMONO, mak-i-m[=o]'n[=o], _n._ a roll, as of silk, esp. a long picture or writing rolled up and not hung. [Jap.]

MAKWA, mak'wa, _n._ a Chinese short outer jacket.

MALACHITE, mal'a-k[=i]t, _n._ a green-coloured mineral, composed essentially of carbonate of copper, much used for inlaid-work. [Gr. _malach[=e]_, a mallow, a plant of a green colour.]

MALACOLITE, mal'a-k[=o]-l[=i]t, _n._ a greenish lime-magnesia variety of pyroxene.

MALACOLOGY, mal-a-kol'o-ji, _n._ the branch of natural history which treats of the structure and habits of molluscs.--_adj._ MAL'ACOID, soft-bodied.--_n._ MALACOL'OGIST. [Gr. _malakos_, soft, _logia_, a discourse.]

MALACOPTERYGIAN, mal-a-kop-t[.e]r-ij'i-an, _adj._ having the rays of the fins soft, excepting the first ray of the dorsal and pectoral fins, as in the pike, salmon, &c.--Also MALACOPTERYG'IOUS. [Gr. _malakos_, soft, _pteryx_, _pterygos_, a wing.]

MALACOSTRACAN, mal-a-kos'tra-kan, _n._ an individual belonging to a sub-class of crustaceans, including the shrimps, lobsters, &c.--_adj._ belonging to this class--also MALACOS'TRACOUS.--_adj._ MALACOSTRACOLOG'ICAL.--_ns._ MALACOSTRACOL'OGIST; MALACOSTRACOL'OGY. [Gr. _malakos_, soft, _ostrakon_, a shell.]

MALACOZOA, mal-a-ko-z[=o]'a, _n.pl._ soft-bodied animals, the Mollusca generally.--_adj._ MALACOZ[=O]'IC, possessing the common features of molluscan life.

MALADAPTATION, mal-ad-ap-t[=a]'shun, _n._ faulty adaptation.

MALADDRESS, mal-a-dres', _n._ awkwardness: clumsiness.

MALADJUSTMENT, mal-ad-just'ment, _n._ a wrong adjustment.

MALADMINISTRATION, mal-ad-min-is-tr[=a]'shun, _n._ bad management, esp. of public affairs.

MALADROIT, mal-a-droit', _adj._ not dexterous: unskilful: clumsy.--_adv._ MALADROIT'LY.--_n._ MALADROIT'NESS, want of adroitness: awkwardness.

MALADY, mal'a-di, _n._ illness: disease, either of the body or of the mind. [Fr. _maladie_--_malade_, sick--L. _male habitus_, in ill condition--_male_, badly, _habitus_, pa.p. of _hab[=e]re_, have, hold.]

MALAGA, mal'a-ga, _n._ a wine imported from _Malaga_ in Spain.

MALAGASY, mal-a-gas'i, _adj._ of or pertaining to Madagascar or its inhabitants.--_n._ a native of Madagascar.--Also MALAGASH'.

MALAGUETTA PEPPER. See PEPPER.

MALAISE, ma-l[=a]z', _n._ uneasiness: a feeling of discomfort or of sickness. [O. Fr. _malaise_.]

MALAPERT, mal'a-p[.e]rt, _adj._ bold: forward: saucy: impudent.--_adv._ MAL'APERTLY.--_n._ MAL'APERTNESS. [O. Fr., _mal_--L. _malus_, bad, _apert_, well-bred--L. _apertus_, open.]

MALAPPROPRIATE, mal-a-pr[=o]'pri-[=a]t, _v.t._ to misuse.--_adj._ MALAPROPOS (mal-ap-ro-p[=o]'), out of place: unsuitable: inapt.--_adv._ badly apropos: not suited to the purpose: unseasonably.

MALAPROPISM, mal'a-prop-izm, _n._ the act of misapplying words, in the attempt to use fine language, from Mrs _Malaprop_ in Sheridan's play, _The Rivals_.

MALAR, m[=a]'lar, _adj._ pertaining to the cheek.--_n._ the bone which forms the prominence of the cheek. [L. _mala_, the cheek--_mand[)e]re_, to chew.]

MALARIA, ma-l[=a]'ri-a, _n._ the poisonous air arising from marshy districts, producing fever, &c.: miasma: the fever so caused.--_adjs._ MAL[=A]'RIOUS, MAL[=A]'RIAL, MAL[=A]'RIAN. [It. _mal' aria_--L. _malus_, bad, _aer_, air.]

MALASSIMILATION, mal-a-sim-i-l[=a]'shun, _n._ imperfect assimilation or nutrition.

MALAY, -AN, ma-l[=a]', -an, _n._ a native or inhabitant of _Malacca_, or of the _Malay_ Archipelago.--_adj._ of or pertaining to the Malays.--_n._ MALAY[:A]'LAM, the language of Malabar, a Dravidian dialect.--_adj._ MALAY'SIAN, relating to the Malay Peninsula, or to the Malays.

MALCONFORMATION, mal-kon-for-m[=a]'shun, _n._ bad conformation or form: imperfection or disproportion of parts.

MALCONTENT, mal'kon-tent, _adj._ discontented, dissatisfied, esp. in political matters.--_n._ one discontented--also MALCONTENT'ED.--_adv._ MALCONTENT'EDLY.--_n._ MALCONTENT'EDNESS.--_adv._ MALCONTENT'LY.

MALE, m[=a]l, _n._ (_Spens._) mail, armour.

MALE, m[=a]l, _adj._ masculine: pertaining to the sex that begets (not bears) young: (_bot._) bearing stamens.--_n._ one of the male sex: a he-animal: a stamen-bearing plant.--_n._ MALE'-FERN, an elegant fern, with the fronds growing in a crown.--MALE ORDER, in architecture, the Doric order; MALE RHYMES, those in which only the final syllables correspond; MALE SCREW, a screw whose threads correspond to and enter the spiral grooves of the female screw. [O. Fr. _male_--L. _masculus_, male--_mas_, a male.]

MALEDICTION, mal-e-dik'shun, _n._ evil-speaking: a calling down of evil: curse: execration or imprecation.--_adjs._ MALEDICT'ORY, imprecatory; MALEDIKT', accursed. [O. Fr.,--L. _malediction-em_--_male_, badly, _dic[)e]re_, _dictum_, to speak.]

MALEFACTOR, mal'e-fak-tur, or mal-e-fak'tur, _n._ an evil-doer: a criminal.--_n._ MALEFAC'TION (_Shak._), a crime, an offence.--_adj._ MALEF'IC, doing mischief: producing evil.--_adv._ MALEF'ICALLY.--_v.t._ MALEF'ICATE, to bewitch.--_ns._ MAL'EFICE (_obs._), an evil deed: enchantment; MALEF'ICENCE, the character of being maleficent.--_adjs._ MALEF'ICENT, MALEFIC'IENT. [L., _male_, badly, _fac[)e]re_, to do.]

MALEIC, ma-l[=e]'ik, _adj._ obtained from malic acid.

MALENGINE, ma-len'jin, _n._ (_Spens._) evil device, deceit. [L. _malus_, bad, _ingenium_, ingenuity.]

MALETOTE, mal'e-t[=o]t, _n._ an illegal exaction.--Also MAL'ETOLT. [O. Fr.]

MALEVOLENT, mal-ev'o-lent, _adj._ wishing evil: ill-disposed towards others: rejoicing in another's misfortune: envious: malicious--also MALEV'OLOUS.--_n._ MALEV'OLENCE.--_adv._ MALEV'OLENTLY. [L. _male_, badly, _volens_, pr.p. of _velle_, to wish.]

MALFEASANCE, mal-f[=e]'zans, _n._ evil-doing: the doing of what one ought not to do: an illegal deed. [Fr. _malfaisance_--L. _male_, evil, _fac[)e]re_, to do.]

MALFORMATION, mal-for-m[=a]'shun, _n._ bad or wrong formation: irregular or anomalous structure.--_adj._ MALFORMED'.

MALGRADO, mal-gr[:a]'do, _adv._ in spite of. [It.]

MALGRE. Same as MAUGRE.

MALIC, m[=a]'lik, _adj._ obtained from the juice of several fruits, esp. the apple. [L. _malum_, an apple.]

MALICE, mal'is, _n._ ill-will: spite: disposition to harm others: deliberate mischief: intention to harm another.--_adj._ MALIC'IOUS, bearing ill-will or spite: moved by hatred or ill-will: having mischievous intentions.--_adv._ MALIC'IOUSLY.--_n._ MALIC'IOUSNESS. [Fr.,--L. _malitia_--_malus_, bad.]

MALIGN, ma-l[=i]n', _adj._ of an evil disposition towards others: malicious: unfavourable.--_v.t._ to speak evil of: (_obs._) to treat with malice.--_ns._ MALIGN'ER; MALIG'NITY, state or quality of being malign: great hatred, virulence: deadly quality.--_adv._ MALIGN'LY.--_n._ MALIGN'MENT. [Fr. _malin_, fem. _maligne_--L. _malignus_ for _maligenus_, of evil disposition--_malus_, bad, and _gen_, root of _genus_.]

MALIGNANT, ma-lig'nant, _adj._ disposed to do harm or to cause suffering: malign: acting maliciously: actuated by great hatred: tending to cause death.--_n._ a name applied by the Puritan party to one who had fought for Charles I. in the Civil War.--_n._ MALIG'NANCY, MALIG'NANCE, state or quality of being malignant.--_adv._ MALIG'NANTLY. [L. _malignans_, pr.p. of _malign[=a]re_, to act maliciously.]

MALINES LACE. Same as MECHLIN LACE. See LACE.

MALINFLUENCE, mal-in'fl[=oo]-ens, _n._ evil influence.

MALINGER, ma-ling'g[.e]r, _v.i._ to feign sickness in order to avoid duty.--_ns._ MALING'ERER; MALING'ERY, feigned sickness. [Fr. _malingre_--_mal_--L. _malus_, bad, O. Fr. _heingre_, ailing--L. _aeger_, sick.]

MALISON, mal'i-zn, _n._ a curse:--opp. to _Benison_. [O. Fr.; a doublet of _malediction_; cf. _benison_ and _benediction_.]

MALKIN, maw'kin, _n._ (_Shak._) a term used in contempt for a dirty woman: a mop: (_Scot._) a hare.--Also MAW'KIN. [Dim. of _Mal_ or _Moll_, Mary.]

MALL, mawl, or mal, _n._ a large wooden beetle or hammer.--_v.t._ to beat with a mall or something heavy: to bruise. [O. Fr. _mail_--L. _malleus_.]

MALL, mel, or mal, _n._ a level shaded walk: a public walk. [Contr. through O. Fr. of Old It. _palamaglio_--It. _palla_, a ball, _maglio_, a mace.]

MALLARD, mal'ard, _n._ a drake: the common duck in its wild state. [O. Fr. _malard_ (Fr. _malart_)--_male_, male, and suffix _-ard_.]

MALLEATE, mal'e-[=a]t, _v.t._ to hammer: to form into a plate or leaf by hammering.--_adj._ MALL'EABLE, that may be malleated or beaten out by hammering.--_ns._ MALL'EABLENESS, MALLEABIL'ITY, quality of being malleable; MALLE[=A]'TION.--_adj._ MALL'EIFORM, hammer-shaped.--_n._ MALL'EUS, one of the small bones of the middle ear in mammals. [L. _malleus_, a hammer.]

MALLECHO, mal'[=e]-ch[=o], _n._ (_Shak._) villainy--probably a corruption of Spanish _malhecho_, mischief.--Also MAL'ICHO.

MALLEE, mal'[=e], _n._ two dwarf species of Eucalyptus in Australia.--_ns._ MALL'EE-BIRD, MALL'EE-HEN, an Australian mound-bird or megapode.

MALLEMAROKING, mal'[=e]-ma-r[=o]'king, _n._ the visiting and carousing of seamen in the Greenland ships. [Prob. to act like the _mallemuck_.]

MALLEMUCK, mal'e-muk, _n._ the fulmar petrel. [Ger.]

MALLEOLUS, ma-l[=e]'[=o]-lus, _n._ a bony protuberance on either side of the ankle.--_adj._ MAL'L[=E]OLAR. [L.]

MALLET, mal'et, _n._ a small wooden hammer: the long-handled hammer for driving the balls in croquet. [Fr. _maillet_, dim. of _mail_, a mall.]

MALLOW, mal'[=o], _n._ any plant of genus _Malva_--from its emollient properties or its soft downy leaves. [A.S. _malwe_--L. _malva_; Gr. _malach[=e]_--_malassein_, to make soft.]

MALM, MAUM, m[:a]m, _n._ calcareous loam, earth specially good for brick. [A.S. _mealm_, sand.]

MALMSEY, m[:a]m'ze, _n._ a sort of grape: a strong and sweet wine, first made in Greece, but now also in the Canary Islands and the Azores. [O. Fr. _malvoisie_, from _Malvasia_ in the Morea.]

MALODOUR, mal-[=o]'dor, _n._ an offensive odour.--_adj._ MAL[=O]'DOROUS.--_n._ MAL[=O]'DOROUSNESS.

MALPIGHIAN, mal-pig'i-an, _adj._ applied in anatomy to several structures in the kidney and spleen investigated by Marcello _Malpighi_ (1628-94).

MALPOSITION, mal-p[=o]-zish'un, _n._ a wrong position, misplacement.

MALPRACTICE, mal-prak'tis, _n._ evil practice or conduct: practice contrary to established rules.--_n._ MALPRACTIT'IONER, a physician guilty of malpractice.

MALPRESENTATION, mal-pr[=e]-zen-t[=a]'shun, _n._ abnormal presentation in childbirth.

MALSTICK. See MAHL-STICK.