Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—M

Malkin

The nickname of Mary, now called Molly. Hence the Maid Marian is so termed.

Malkin.
A kitchen wench, now called a Molly, is by Shakespeare termed “the kitchen Malkin.” (Coriolanus, ii. 1.)

Malkin.
A scarecrow or figure dressed like a scullion; hence, anything made of rags, as a mop. Malkin. A Moll or female cat, the male being a “Tom.” When the cat mews, the witch in Macbeth calls out, “I come, Grimalkin” (i. 1).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Mall
Maliom
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Malkin from Fact Monster:

Related Content
© 2000–2008 Pearson Education, publishing as Fact Monster