Macassar Oil. So called because it was first exported from Macassar, the Dutch capital of Celebes Island.
Macclesfield Street. After the Earl of Macclesfield, the landlord of the estate when it was laid out in 1697.
Macedonians. A fourth century sect of Christians founded by Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople.
Machinaw. A heavy blanket worn by Indians, and also nowadays in the western states used as a travelling rug and bed pallet. The term is derived from Machinac (pronounced Machinaw), the chief trading station with the Indians formerly. Western settlers also describe an overcoat as a Machinaw.
Machine. A bicycle is called a machine because it is a more or less complicated piece of mechanism made up of many parts. In the United States the term machine is applied both to a locomotive and a fire engine.
Mackenzie River. After Alexander Mackenzie, by whom it was first navigated in 1789.
Mackerel. From the Danish mackreel, “spots.”
Mackintosh. After the Scotsman who invented water-proofing material for over-garments.
Macklin Street. After Charles Macklin, the celebrated actor of Drury Lane Theatre. His name was really Maclaughlin shortened into Macklin.
Macmillanites. An offshoot of the Presbyterians under John Macmillan; also styled the “Reformed Presbytery.”