n.
Pronunciation: ' m ō ld
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English molde; akin to Old High German molta soil, Latin molere to grind ― more at MEAL
Date: before 12th century
1 : crumbling soft friable earth suited to plant growth : SOIL especially : soil rich in humus ― compare LEAF MOLD
2 dialect British a : the surface of the earth : GROUND b : the earth of the burying ground
3 archaic : earth that is the substance of the human body <be merciful great Duke to men of mold ― Shakespeare>