Meneuse, f. (popular), woman who entices a passer-by to some back alley, where he is robbed, and sometimes murdered, by accomplices. Also woman whose calling is to take charge of babies, and take them to some country place, where they are left to the care of a wet nurse.
Mengin, or Mangin, m. (familiar), political or literary charlatan. From the name of a celebrated quack, a familiar figure of crossways and squares in Paris under the Third Empire. He was attired in showy costume of the Middle Ages, and sported a glistening helmet topped by enormous plumes. He sold pencils, drew people’s caricatures at a moment’s notice, and was attended by an assistant known under the name of Vert-de-gris.
[Ménilmonte], or Ménilmuche (popular), Ménilmontant, formerly one of the suburbs of Paris. According to Zola, the word is curiously used in connection with the so-called sign of the cross of drunkards:—
Coupeau se leva pour faire le signe de croix des pochards. Sur la tête il prononça Montpernasse, à l’épaule droite Ménilmonte, à l’épaule gauche la Courtille, au milieu du ventre Bagnolet, et dans le creux de l’estomac trois fois Lapin sauté.—L’Assommoir.
Menouille, f. (popular), money, or change.
Menteuse, f. (thieves’), tongue, or “prating cheat.” Termed also “le chiffon rouge, la battante, la diligence de Rome, rouscaillante.”
Menu. See [Connaître].
[Menuisier.] See [Côtelette].
Menuisière, f. (popular), long coat.
Méquard, or mégard, m. (thieves’), head of a gang, or “dimber damber.” From mec, master, chief.