Molasses. The American term for syrup or treacle, derived from the French melasse, the root of which is the Latin mellis, honey.
Money. See “[Mint].”
Mohair. From the Arabic Mukhayyar, “goatskin hair,” through the French moire, the fine silken hair of the Angora goat.
Mohawks. Night marauders who in the days of the “Old Charlies” terrorised peaceable London citizens, self-styled after the fierce Indian tribe of the same name. “Mohawk” means “man-eater” or “live-eater,” this term being applied to the Iroquois by the eastern Indians of North America.
Moire Antique. The French description of watered silk worked in the style of the olden times. See “Mohair.”
Moldavia. The country traversed by the River Moldau.
Moleskin. A superior fabric of fustian or strong cotton distinguished for a smoothness like the hair of the mole.
Molly Maguires. An Irish Secret Society in the United States, more especially Pennsylvania, composed of young men dressed in women’s clothes, and with blackened faces, who did not hesitate to murder in connection with the agrarian outrages that they committed. The execution of ten of the ringleaders in June 1877 at length put an end to their reign of terror.
Monastery. From the Greek monos, alone. This term expresses an establishment of monks, secluded from one another in cells except when at prayers or at meals; recluses who never go into the outer world at all. A Friary, on the contrary, is a convent whose inmates live in community and go forth to preach among the people.
Monday. A term derived from Scandinavian mythology when, after the first day of the week given up to sun-worship, the second was set apart for the worship of the moon.