Machicolation, mach-i-ko-lā′shun, n. (archit.) a projecting parapet or gallery with openings for pouring molten substances upon an attacking force below: the construction or use of such means of defence.—adj. Machic′olated. [Fr. mâchicoulis, from mâche, mash, coulis, a flowing—L. colāre, to filter.]
Machinate, mak′i-nāt, v.t. to contrive skilfully: to form a plot or scheme, esp. for doing harm.—ns. Machinā′tion, act of machinating or contriving a scheme for carrying out some purpose, esp. an evil one: an artful design or plot: Mach′inator, one who machinates. [L. machināri, -ātus—machĭna.]
Machine, ma-shēn′, n. any artificial means or contrivance: any instrument for the conversion of motion: an engine: a coach or conveyance of any kind: one who can do only what he is told: a contrivance in the ancient Greek theatre for indicating a change of scene, by means of which a god might cross the stage or deliver a divine message—whence the expression Deus ex machĭna for a sudden interposition of Providence: any literary contrivance for the development of a plot: supernatural agency in a poem.—v.t. to use machinery for, esp. to print or sew by such: to make by means of machinery.—ns. Machine′-gun, a gun firing a great many shots one after the other, sometimes as many as 1000 per minute; Machine′-man, a man who manages the working of a machine, esp. in a printing-office; Machin′ery, machines in general: the working parts of a machine: combined means for keeping anything in action, or for producing a desired result; Machine′-shop, a workshop where machines are made; Machine′-tool, an adjustable machine for doing work with cutting-tools, or one utilising minor tools, as a planing-, drilling-machine, &c.; Machine′-work, work done by a machine; Machin′ist, a constructor of machines: one well versed in machinery: one who works a machine. [Fr.,—L. machĭna—Gr. mēchanē, akin to mēch-os, contrivance.]
Mack′erel, mak′ėr-el, n. a food fish, dark blue, with wavy cross-streaks above, and silvery below.—n. Mack′erel-sky, a sky with clouds broken into long, thin, white, parallel masses. [O. Fr. makerel (Fr. maquereau), prob. from L. macula, a spot.]
Mackintosh, mak′in-tosh, n. a waterproof overcoat. [From Charles Mackintosh (1766-1843), the inventor.]
Mackle, mak′l, n. a spot or blemish in printing, by a double impression, wrinkling, &c.—v.t. to spot, blur.
Macle, mak′l, n. a kind of twin crystal: a kind of cross-stone or hollow-spar, called also Chiastolite, having the axis and angles of its crystals coloured differently from the rest.—adj. Mac′led, spotted. [Through Fr., from L. macula, spot.]
Macmillanite, mak-mil′an-īt, n. an old name for a member of the Scottish sect of Cameronians or Reformed Presbyterians. [From John Macmillan, (1670-1753), the first ordained minister who associated himself with the 'suffering remnant.']
Macramé, mak-ra-mā′, n. a fringe or trimming of knotted thread—also knotted bar-work. [It.]
Macrobiotic, mak-rō-bi-ot′ik, adj. long-lived.—ns. Macrobiō′sis, long life; Macrō′biote, one who lives long; Macrobiot′ics, the study of longevity.