| 释义 |
ˈMay-lady Obs. exc. Hist.
[May n.3]
A Queen of the May. Also, a puppet in a May-day game (see quot. 1802).
1560Becon Catech. vi. Wks. 1564 I. 516 b, To be decked and trimmed like a Marelady [sic: ? misprint for Maie-], or the Quene of a game. Ibid. 533 As though they were mareladies [sic] or Popets in a game. 1619Fletcher M. Thomas ii. ii, Or you must marry Malkyn the May Lady. 1621Burton Anat. Mel. iii. ii. ii. iii. 573 Some light huswife belike, that was dressed like a may lady, and as most of our gentlewomen are. 1802Audley Comp. to Almanack 21 The custom..of children having a figure dressed in a grotesque manner, called a May-lady; before which they set a table, having on it wine, &c. They also beg money of passengers,..their plea to obtain it is, ‘Pray remember the poor May-lady’. |