Magenta. This colour was so called because first produced after the battle of Magenta in 1859.
Magic City of the South. Birmingham in the state of Alabama. Since its foundation by the Elyton Land Company in 1871 it has bidden fair to rival Pittsburg as the Birmingham of America.
Magnolia. In honour of the eminent French botanist, Pierre Magnol.
Mahala. The Californian term for an Indian squaw, derived from the Spanish muger (pronounced muher), a woman.
Mahatma. A Hindoo term for a Buddhist gifted with what appear to be supernatural powers, as the result of the very highest intellectual development.
Mahogany. A vulgar term very frequently heard in the Midland counties for a man’s wife. This arose from the fact that the wood of the Mahogany-tree (West Indian Mahogan, but botanically Swietenia Mahogani) was for many years at first used exclusively for the manufacture of domestic dining-tables; hence a man would say: “I’ll discuss it with my wife over the Mahogany.” Eventually the phrase was corrupted into “I’ll talk to the Mahogany about it,” and so the term came to denote the man’s wife.
Mahrattas. The Hindoo term for “outcasts.” Although devout worshippers of Buddha, this powerful Hindoo family does not recognise that fine distinction of caste which obtains elsewhere.
Maida Vale. After the victory of Maida, 4th July 1806.
Maiden. An ancient instrument of capital punishment made in the form of a woman, the front of which opened like a door, and, the victim being imprisoned, sharp steel spikes pierced his body on every side. This name was also given to an early species of guillotine in Scotland. To be executed by its means was to “Kiss the Maiden,” because she clasped him in a death embrace.
Maidenland. A Virginian term for the land which comes to a man by marriage on his wife’s side, and which passes from him at her decease.