Etymology: In Old English < classical Latin mūrus wall, especially a wall built for defence, also applied to a person who serves as a defence (see mere n.²); in later use probably independently < Anglo-Norman and Middle French: probably partly < Anglo-Norman and Middle French mur (late 10th cent. in Old French; French mur ; < classical Latin mūrus ), and partly < Anglo-Norman and Middle French mure (12th cent. in Old French), probably < post-classical Latin mura , neuter plural (recorded in 1277, but probably earlier), alteration of classical Latin mūrus . Compare mure v.Attested as an element in surnames from the late 13th cent., as John le Murward (1274).

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French meur ripe (c1165 in Old French), due, considered (c1200), staid, sedate, mature, adult (early 13th cent.; Middle French, French mûr , feminine mûre ) < classical Latin mātūrus mature adj.With mure deliberation (see sense 2) compare Anglo-Norman mere deliberation (1397).

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French murer to surround with walls, to build walls, to wall up, to protect oneself as if with walls (late 12th cent. in Old French) and its etymon post-classical Latin murare to surround, fortify with a wall, provide with a wall (late 4th cent.; from 8th cent. in British sources), to wall up (1511 in a British source) < classical Latin mūrus wall (see mure n.).