Though he have a whole monkery to sing for him.
Latimer.
Mon"key (?), n.; pl. Monkeys (#). [Cf. OIt. monicchio, It. monnino,
dim. of monna an ape, also dame, mistress, contr. fr. madonna. See
Madonna.] 1. (Zoöl.) (a) In the most general sense, any one of the
Quadrumana, including apes, baboons, and lemurs. (b) Any species of
Quadrumana, except the lemurs. (c) Any one of numerous species of
Quadrumana (esp. such as have a long tail and prehensile feet)
exclusive of apes and baboons.
The monkeys are often divided into three groups: (a) Catarrhines, or
Simidæ. These have an oblong head, with the oblique flat nostrils near
together. Some have no tail, as the apes. All these are natives of the
Old World. (b) Platyrhines, or Cebidæ. These have a round head, with a
broad nasal septum, so that the nostrils are wide apart and directed
downward. The tail is often prehensile, and the thumb is short and not
opposable. These are natives of the New World. (c) Strepsorhines, or
Lemuroidea. These have a pointed head with curved nostrils. They are
natives of Southern Asia, Africa, and Madagascar.
2. A term of disapproval, ridicule, or contempt, as for a mischievous
child.
This is the monkey's own giving out; she is persuaded I will marry
her.
Shak.
3. The weight or hammer of a pile driver, that is, a very heavy mass of
iron, which, being raised on high, falls on the head of the pile, and
drives it into the earth; the falling weight of a drop hammer used in
forging.