2. [Cf. F. merlette.] (Her.) A bird without beak or feet; -- generally
assumed to represent a martin. As a mark of cadency it denotes the
fourth son.
Mar"tyr (?), n. [AS., from L. martyr, Gr. ma`rtyr, ma`rtys, prop., a
witness; cf. Skr. sm to remember, E. memory.]
1. One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel; one
who is put to death for his religion; as, Stephen was the first
Christian martyr. Chaucer.
To be a martyr, signifies only to witness the truth of Christ; but
the witnessing of the truth was then so generally attended with
persecution, that martyrdom now signifies not only to witness, but
to witness by death.
South.
2. Hence, one who sacrifices his life, his station, or what is of great
value to him, for the sake of principle, or to sustain a cause.
Then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell, Thou fall'st a blessed martyr !
Shak.
Mar"tyr (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Martyred (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Martyring.] 1. To put to death for adhering to some belief, esp.
Christianity; to sacrifice on account of faith or profession. Bp.
Pearson.