M, n. 1. (Print.) A quadrat, the face or top of which is a perfect
square; also, the size of such a square in any given size of type, used
as the unit of measurement for that type: 500 m's of pica would be a
piece of matter whose length and breadth in pica m's multiplied
together produce that number. [Written also em.]
2. (law) A brand or stigma, having the shape of an M, formerly
impressed on one convicted of manslaughter and admitted to the benefit
of clergy.
M roof (Arch.), a kind of roof formed by the junction of two common
roofs with a valley between them, so that the section resembles the
letter M.
Ma (mä), n. [Cf. Mamma.] 1. A child's word for mother.
2. [Hind.] In Oriental countries, a respectful form of address given to
a woman; mother. Balfour (Cyc. of India).
||Ma, conj. [It.] (Mus.) But; -- used in cautionary phrases; as,
||"Vivace, ma non troppo presto" (i. e., lively, but not too quick).
||Moore (Encyc. of Music).
Maa (?), n. [See New a gull.] (Zoöl.) The common European gull (Larus
canus); -- called also mar. See New, a gull.
Maad (?), obs. p. p. of Make. Made. Chaucer.
Maa"lin (?), n. (Zoöl.) (a) The sparrow hawk. (b) The kestrel.
Ma'am (?), n. Madam; my lady; -- a colloquial contraction of madam
often used in direct address, and sometimes as an appellation.
Ma"a*ra shell` (?). (Zoöl.) A large, pearly, spiral, marine shell
(Turbo margaritaceus), from the Pacific Islands. It is used as an
ornament.
||Ma*ash"a (?), n. An East Indian coin, of about one tenth of the
||weight of a rupee.
Maat (?), a. [See Mate, a.] Dejected; sorrowful; downcast. [Obs.] "So
piteous and so maat." Chaucer.