/ ˈmɔːdlɪn; NAmE / adjective
1.
talking in a silly, emotional way, often full of pity for yourself, especially when drunk
SYN sentimental
2.
( of a book, film / movie, or song ) expressing or causing exaggerated emotions, especially in way that is not sincere
SYN sentimental
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (as a noun denoting Mary Magdalen): from Old French Madeleine , from Church Latin Magdalena , from Greek (Maria hē) Magdalēnē (Mary of) Magdala (to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection; John 20:1–18), formerly identified with the sinner of Luke 7:37. The current sense derives from allusion to pictures of Mary Magdalen weeping.