Ma*drier" (?), n. [F., from Sp. madero, or Pg. madeiro, fr. Sp. madera
wood for building, timber, Pg. madeira, L. materia stuff, materials,
lumber. See Matter.] A thick plank, used for several mechanical
purposes; especially: (a) A plank to receive the mouth of a petard,
with which it is applied to anything intended to be broken down. (b) A
plank or beam used for supporting the earth in mines or fortifications.
Mad"ri*gal (md"r*gal), n. [It. madrigale, OIt. madriale, mandriale (cf.
LL. matriale); of uncertain origin, possibly fr. It mandra flock, L.
mandra stall, herd of cattle, Gr. ma`ndra fold, stable; hence,
madrigal, originally, a pastoral song.] 1. A little amorous poem,
sometimes called a pastoral poem, containing some tender and delicate,
though simple, thought.
Whose artful strains have oft delayed The huddling brook to hear
his madrigal.
Milton.
2. (Mus.) An unaccompanied polyphonic song, in four, five, or more
parts, set to secular words, but full of counterpoint and imitation,
and adhering to the old church modes. Unlike the freer glee, it is best
sung with several voices on a part. See Glee.
Mad"ri*gal*er (?), n. A madrigalist.
Mad"ri*gal*ist, n. A composer of madrigals.
Mad`ri*le"ni*an (?), a. [Sp. Madrileño.] Of or pertaining to Madrid in
Spain, or to its inhabitants. -- n. A native or inhabitant of Madrid.
||Ma*dri"na (?), n. [Sp., prop., a godmother.] An animal (usually an
||old mare), wearing a bell and acting as the leader of a troop of pack
||mules. [S. America]
Ma*dro"ña (?), n. [Sp. madroño.] (Bot.) A small evergreen tree or shrub
(Arbutus Menziesii), of California, having a smooth bark, thick shining
leaves, and edible red berries, which are often called madroña apples.
[Written also madroño.]
Mad"wort` (?), n. (Bot.) A genus of cruciferous plants (Alyssum) with
white or yellow flowers and rounded pods. A. maritimum is the commonly
cultivated sweet alyssum, a fragrant white-flowered annual.
{ Mæg"bote`, Mag"bote` } (?), n. [AS. mg kinsman + bt compensation.]
(Anglo-Saxon Law) Compensation for the injury done by slaying a
kinsman. Spelman.
Mael"strom (?), n. [Norw., a whirlpool.] 1. A celebrated whirlpool on
the coast of Norway.