1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a letters and parcels etc. conveyed by post. b the postal system. c one complete delivery or collection of mail. d one delivery of letters to one place, esp. to a business on one occasion.
2 a vehicle carrying mail.
3 hist. a bag of letters for conveyance by post.
--v.tr. esp. US send (a letter etc.) by post.
Phrases and idioms:
mail-boat a boat carrying mail. mail carrier US a postman or postwoman. mail cart Brit. hist.
1. a cart for carrying mail by road.
2 a light vehicle for carrying children. mail coach a railway coach or hist. stagecoach used for carrying mail. mail drop US a receptacle for mail. mailing list a list of people to whom advertising matter, information, etc., is to be posted. mail order an order for goods sent by post. mail-order firm a firm doing business by post. mail train a train carrying mail.
Etymology: ME f. OF male wallet f. WG 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. armour made of rings, chains, or plates, joined together flexibly.
2 the protective shell, scales, etc., of an animal.
--v.tr. clothe with or as if with mail.
Phrases and idioms:
coat of mail a jacket covered with mail or composed of mail. mailed fist physical force.
Derivatives:
mailed adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF maille f. L macula spot, mesh