Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From (probably spurious) classical Latin macrocōlum, a reading in Pliny Nat. Hist. 13. 80, taken to be from ancient Greek μακρόκωλος long-limbed from μακρός + κῶλον limb. The preferable reading macrocollum is believed to derive from an unattested ancient Greek *μακρόκολλον a wide sheet of papyrus from μακρός + κόλλα glue. For further discussion of the form, meaning, and etymology of the Latin word see Classical Philol. 89 62 ff.