Chapter Mate to Maunds of M by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Matthew, and, being asked what he meant, replied, “The last five words of the Gospel of St. Matthew are these: `The end of this dispensation.”' Of course he quoted the Latin version; ours is less correctly translated “the end of the world.”

Matthew Bramble in Smollett's Humphry Clinker, is Roderick Random grown old, somewhat cynical by experience of the world, but vastly improved in taste. Chambers says, “Smollett took some of the incidents of the family tour from Anstey's New Bath Guide.” (English Literature, vol. ii.)

Matthew Parker's Bible 1572. The second edition of the “Great Bible,” with corrections, etc., by Archbishop Parker.

Matthews' Bible 1537. A version of the Bible in English, edited by John Rogers, superintendent of the English Church in Germany, and published by him under the fictitious name of Thomas Matthews.

Matthias (St.) in Christian art is known by the axe or halbert in his right hand, the symbol of his martyrdom. Sometimes he is bearing a stone, in allusion to the tradition of his having been stoned before he was beheaded.

Maudlin Stupidly sentimental. Maudlin drunk is the drunkenness which is sentimental and inclined to tears. Maudlin slip-slop is sentimental chitchat. The word is derived from Mary Magdalen, who is drawn by ancient painters with a lackadaisical face, and eyes swollen with weeping.

Maugis The Nestor of French romance, like Hildebrand in German legend. He was one of Charlemagne's paladins, a magician and champion.

Maugis d'Aygremont Son of Duke Bevis of Aygremont, stolen in infancy by a female slave. As she rested under a white-thorn a lion and a leopard devoured her, and then killed each other in disputing for the infant. The babe cried lustily, and Oriande la Fée, who lived at Rosefleur, hearing it, went to the white-thorn and exclaimed, “By the Powers above, this child is mal gist (badly lapped);” and ever after he was called mau-gis'. Oriande took charge of him, and was assisted by her brother Baudris, who taught him magic and necromancy. When grown a man Maugis achieved the adventure of gaining the enchanted horse Bayard, which understood like a human being all that was said, and took from Anthenor, the Saracen, the sword Flamberge or Floberge. Subsequently he gave both the horse and sword to his cousin Renaud. In the Italian romances Maugis is called “Malagigi” (q.v.).; Renaud is called “Renaldo” (q.v.); Bevis is called “Buovo;” the horse is called “Bayardo;” and the sword, “Fusberta.” (Romance of Maugis d'Aygremont et de Vivian son frère.)

Maugrabin (Heyraddin). Brother of Zamet Maugrabin the Bohemian. He appears disguised as Rouge Sanglier, and pretends to be herald from Liege. (Sir Walter Scott: Quentin Durward.)

Maugys A giant who keeps a bridge leading to a castle by a riverside, in which a beautiful lady is besieged. Sir Lybius, one of Arthur's knights, does battle with the giant; the contest lasts a whole summer's day, but terminates with the death of the giant and liberation of the lady. (Libeaux, a romance.)

Maul To beat roughly, to batter. The maul was a bludgeon with a leaden head, carried by ancient soldiery. It is generally called a “mall.”

Maul (The Giant). A giant who used to spoil young pilgrims with sophistry. He attacked Mr. Greatheart with a club, and the combat between them lasted for the space of an hour. At length Mr. Greatheart pierced the giant under the fifth rib, and then cut off his head. (Bunyan: Pilgrim's Progress, pt. ii.)

Maul of Monks (The). Thomas Cromwell, visitor-general of English monasteries, many of which he summarily suppressed (1490-1540).