MARINE OFFICER. An empty bottle: marine officers being held useless by the seamen. SEA WIT.
MARPLOT. A spoil sport.
MARRIAGE MUSIC. The squalling and crying of children.
MARRIED. Persons chained or handcuffed together, in order to be conveyed to gaol, or on board the lighters for transportation, are in the cant language said to be married together.
MARROWBONES. The knees. To bring any one down on his marrow bones; to make him beg pardon on his knees: some derive this from Mary's bones, i.e. the bones bent in honour of the Virgin Mary; but this seems rather far-fetched. Marrow bones and cleavers; principal instruments in the band of rough music: these are generally performed on by butchers, on marriages, elections, riding skimmington, and other public or joyous occasions.
MARTINET. A military term for a strict disciplinarian: from the name of a French general, famous for restoring military discipline to the French army. He first disciplined the French infantry, and regulated their method of encampment: he was killed at the siege of Doesbourg in the year 1672.
MASON'S MAUND. A sham sore above the elbow, to counterfeit a broken arm by a fall from a scaffold.
MASTER OF THE MINT. A gardener.
MASTER OF THE ROLLS. A baker.
MASTER OF THE WARDROBE. One who pawns his clothes
to purchase liquor.