_M._ or _N._ (Vol. i., p. 415.).--These must, I think, be the initials of
some words, and not originating in a corruption of nom, as suggested. We
have in the marriage service:--
"'I publish the banns of marriage between M. of ---- and N. of ----.'
"The curate shall say unto the man,
"M. 'Wilt thou have this woman,' &c.
"The priest shall say unto the woman,
"N. 'Wilt thou have this man,' &c.
"The man says: 'I, M. take thee N. to my wedded wife,' &c.
"The woman says: 'I, N. take thee M. to my wedded husband,'" &c.
Again, "Forasmuch as M. and N. have consented together," &c.
All these passages would go to show that the letters are initials either of
some word by which the sex was denoted, or of some very common Christian
names of each sex, which were formerly in use.