Chapter M. B. Waistcoat to Medulla Theologiæ of M by Brewer's Readers Handbook

M. B. Waistcoat to Medulla Theologiæ

M. B. Waistcoat, a clerical waistcoat. M. B. means “Mark [of the] Beast;” so called because, when these waistcoats were first worn by protestant clergymen (about 1830), they were stigmatized as indicating a popish tendency.

He smiled at the folly which stigmatized an M. B. waistcoat.—Mrs. Oliphant: Phœbe, Jun., ii. 1.

Meadows (Sir William), a kind country gentleman, the friend of Jack Eustace and father of young Meadows.

Young Meadows left his father’s home because the old gentleman wanted him to marry Rosetta, whom he had never seen. He called himself Thomas, and entered the service of justice Woodcock as gardener. Here he fell in love with the supposed chamber-maid, who proved to be Rosetta, and their marriage fulfilled the desire of all the parties interested.—Bickerstaff: Love in a Village.

Charles Dignum made his début at Drury Lane, in 1784, in the character of “Young Meadows.” His voice was so clear and full-toned, and his manner of singing so judicious, that he was received with the warmest applause.—Dictionary of Musicians.

Meagles (Mr.), an eminently “practical man,” who, being well off, travelled over the world for pleasure. His party consisted of himself, his daughter Pet, and his daughter’s servant called Tattycoram. A jolly man was Mr. Meagles; but clear-headed, shrewd, and persevering.

Mrs. Meagles, wife of the “practical man,” and mother of Pet.—Dickens: Little Dorrit (1857).

Meal-Tub Plot, a fictitious conspiracy concocted by Dangerfield for the purpose of cutting off those who opposed the succession of James duke of York, afterwards James II. The scheme was concealed in a meal-tub in the house of Mrs. Cellier (1685).

Measure for Measure. There was a law in Vienna that made it death for a man to live with a woman not his wife; but the law was so little enforced that the mothers of Vienna complained to the duke of its neglect. So the duke deputed Angelo to enforce it; and, assuming the dress of a friar, absented

himself awhile, to watch the result. Scarcely was the duke gone, when Claudio was sentenced to death for violating the law. His sister Isabel went to intercede on his behalf, and Angelo told her he would spare her brother if she would become his Phrynê. Isabel told her brother he must prepare to die, as the conditions proposed by Angelo were out of the question. The duke, disguised as a friar, heard the whole story, and persuaded Isabel to “assent in words,” but to send Mariana (the divorced “wife” of Angelo) to take her place. This was done; but Angelo sent the provost to behead Claudio, a crime which “the friar” contrived to avert. Next day, the duke returned to the city, and Isabel told her tale. The end was, the duke married Isabel, Angelo took back his wife, and Claudio married Juliet whom he had seduced.—Shakespeare: Measure for Measure (1603). (See Mariana, p. 673.)

(This story is from Whetstone’s comedy of Promos and Cassandra (1578). A similar story is given also in Giraldi Cinthio’s third decade of stories.)

Medamothi, the island at which the fleet of Pant agruel landed on the fourth day of their voyage. Here many choice curiosities were bought, such as “the picture of a man’s voice,” an “echo drawn to life,” “Plato’s ideas,” some of “Epicuros’s atoms,” a sample of “Philomela’s needlework,” and other objects of virtu to be obtained nowhere else.—Rabelais: Pantagruel, iv. 3 (1545).

(Medamothi is a compound Greek word, meaning “never in any place.” So Utopia is a Greek compound, meaning “no place;” Kennaquhair is a Scotch compound, meaning “I know not where;” and Kennahtwhar is Anglo-Saxon for the same. All these places are in 91º north lat. and 180º I west long., in the Niltalê Ocean.)