This week it’s all about words and phrases found in genealogy, family and house history research beginning with the letter M.
MAG – Halfpenny
MAGIS – more
magister/i – master(s)
MAINPAST – One for whom another is legally responsible
MALE – badly
MANADGE MAN – Itinerant seller of goods on creidt for household requirements
Mane – in the morning
manerium/i – manor(s)
MANOR – a landed estate, usually comprising a DEMESNE and lands held by VILLAGERs, BORDARs, or COTTAGERs and sometimes also FREE MEN, FRENCHMEN, RIDING MEN etc, which could vary in size from part of one village to several villages over a wide area; power over men (and women), ranging from civil to criminal jurisdiction; an estate in land giving authority and prestige; a land title giving superiority and gentility
MANUMISSION – the act of a feudal Lord that gave a villein his freedom
manus/us – hand(s)
manus domini – into the hands of the lord
marca – mark (6s 8d)
MARE – Sea, lake, mere
MARITUS – husband
matrimoniumsolemnizat – marriage solemnised
matrimonio conjuncti sunt – were married
MEDALE – Drinking feast after the Lord of the Manor’s meadow had been mown
MENSIS – Month
merchetum/i – merchet(s) – payment made for obtaining permission for a daughter to marry
MERCY – Amercement or Fine
Meridiem – southerly
messor/oris – hayward(s)
misercordia/ae – amercement(s)
messuagium – messuage/plot of land, usually with house or cottage and perhaps garden or outbuildings
MIGRO – to die
MILITIA – mustering of local forces comprising part time volunteers organised by county
MOB – Close-fitting cap with two lappets; a woman’s night-cap
MOETY/MOITY – Half share
MONETA – Money, coin
MOROR – to delay, remain; to dwell, live
MULIER – wife, woman
MURAGE – Tax levied for the building and upkeep of the walls of a town
I would love to hear what obscure words and phrases you have found in your research – sarah@spfhhistory.co.uk