Madagascar. A corruption of the native name Malagasay, the island of the Malagese or Malays.
Madam. In New England the term applied to the deceased wife of a person of local distinction, such as the parson, doctor, etc. In the southern states it expresses the mistress or master’s wife universally among the Negroes. Elsewhere it is either Madam or Ma’am for a mother.
Mad Cavalier. Prince Rupert, so called on account of his rash courage and lack of self-control.
Mad Dog. A skull cap, from the old idea that keeping the head impervious to air was a remedy against the bite of a dog.
Mad Poet. Nathaniel Lee, who wrote some of his finest pieces while confined during four years at Bethlehem Hospital.
Mad as a Hatter. A corruption of “Mad as an atter.” Atter expressed the Saxon for a viper or adder. The word “Mad” was anciently used in the sense of venomous; hence this expression really meant “venomous as a viper.”
Mad as a March Hare. Being their rutting season, hares are very wild in March.
Made a bad Break. An Americanism for having made a silly slip of the tongue, a sad mistake, or a great blunder. The expression is, of course, derived from a game of billiards.
Made his Pile. Although a Californian phrase for having amassed a fortune, this originated at the gaming-tables throughout the States generally.
Madeira. Expresses the Portuguese for “timber.” This island was at the time of its discovery covered with forests. Also the name of a rich wine imported therefrom.