I. ˈmā verbal auxiliary
( past might ˈmīt ; present singular & plural may )
Etymology: Middle English (1st & 3d singular present indicative), from Old English mæg; akin to Old High German mag (1st & 3d singular present indicative) have power, am able (infinitive magan ), and perhaps to Greek mēchos means, expedient
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. archaic : have the ability to
b. : have permission to
you may go now
: be free to
a rug on which children may sprawl — C. E. Silberman
— used nearly interchangeably with can
c. — used to indicate possibility or probability
you may be right
things you may need
— sometimes used interchangeably with can
one of those slipups that may happen from time to time — Jessica Mitford
— sometimes used where might would be expected
you may think from a little distance that the country was solid woods — Robert Frost
2. — used in auxiliary function to express a wish or desire especially in prayer, imprecation, or benediction
long may he reign
may the best man win
3. — used in auxiliary function expressing purpose or expectation
I laugh that I may not weep
or contingency
she'll do her duty come what may
or concession
he may be slow but he is thorough
or choice
the angler may catch them with a dip net, or he may cast a large, bare treble hook — Nelson Bryant
4. : shall , must — used in law where the sense, purpose, or policy requires this interpretation
Usage: see can
II. ˈmā noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English mǣg kinsman, kinswoman, maiden
Date: before 12th century
archaic : maiden