Meisensang, a missionary, Chinese pronunciation of the English word.—Anglo-Chinese.
Menagerie, the orchestra of a theatre.—Theatrical.
Menavelings, odd money remaining after the daily accounts are made up at a railway booking-office,—usually divided among the clerks. See [OVERS] and [SHORTS].
Men of Kent, men born in that portion of the “garden of England” which lies east of the Medway, as distinguished from Kentish men born the other side. The MEN OF KENT are entitled to the benefit of the old laws of the county, that of gavelkind particularly.
Merkin, a term usually applied to a woman’s privities. Originally false hair for those parts.
Merry Dun of Dover, a large ship figuring in sailors’ yarns. She was so large that when passing through the Straits of Dover her flying jib-boom knocked down Calais steeple; while, at the same time, the fly of her ensign swept a flock of sheep off Dover cliffs. She was so lofty that a boy who attempted to go to her mast-head found himself a grey old man when he reached the deck again. This yarn is founded on a story in the Scandinavian mythology. There is also a legend among sailors of the gallant Thunderbomb, which had “ninety-nine decks and no bottom.”
Mesopotamia, a name given to Eaton Square and neighbourhood when first built. This part was also called Cubitopolis.—Fashionable slang.
Mess, to interfere unduly. Costermongers refer to police supervision as MESSING. Among sailors, a dead man is said to have lost the number of his MESS.
Metallician, a racing bookmaker. Bookmakers use metallic books and pencils.
Middy, abbreviation of midshipman.—Naval.