mail

mail¹

/mayl/, n.

1. letters, packages, etc., that are sent or delivered by means of the postal system: Storms delayed delivery of the mail.

2. a single collection of such letters, packages, etc., as sent or delivered: to open one's mail; to find a bill in the mail; The mail for England was put on the noon plane.

3. Also, mails. the system, usually operated or supervised by the national government, for sending or delivering letters, packages, etc.; postal system: to buy clothes by mail.

4. a train, boat, etc., as a carrier of postal matter.

5. electronic mail; e-mail.

6. copy the mail, CB Slang. to monitor or listen to a CB transmission.

adj.

7. of or pertaining to mail.

v.t.

8. to send by mail; place in a post office or mailbox for transmission.

9. to transmit by electronic mail.

[1175-1225; ME male (n.) < OF malle < Gmc; cf. OHG mal(a)ha satchel, bag]

mail²

—mailless, adj.

/mayl/, n.

1. flexible armor of interlinked rings.

2. any flexible armor or covering, as one having a protective exterior of scales or small plates.

3. Textiles. an oval piece of metal pierced with a hole through which the warp ends are threaded, serving as an eyelet on a heddle or esp. on the harness cords of a Jacquard loom.

v.t.

4. to clothe or arm with mail.

[1250-1300; ME maille one of the rings of which armor was composed < OF < L macula spot, one of the interstices in a net; cf. MACULA]

mail³

/mayl/, n. Scot.

monetary payment or tribute, esp. rent or tax.

Also, maill.

[bef. 1150; ME (north) mal(e), late OE mal agreement < ON mal agreement, speech, c. OE mael speech]

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(as used in expressions)

chain mail

direct mail marketing

e mail

electronic mail

Globe and Mail The

voice mail

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      the postal matter consigned under public authority from one person or post office to another. See postal system.

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