ˈMay-lady Obs. exc. Hist.
[May n.3]
A Queen of the May. Also, a puppet in a May-day game (see quot. 1802).
| 1560 Becon Catech. vi. Wks. 1564 I. 516 b, To be decked and trimmed like a Marelady [sic: ? misprint for Maie-], or the Quene of a game. Ibid. 533 As though they were mareladies [sic] or Popets in a game. 1619 Fletcher M. Thomas ii. ii, Or you must marry Malkyn the May Lady. 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. iii. ii. ii. iii. 573 Some light huswife belike, that was dressed like a may lady, and as most of our gentlewomen are. 1802 Audley Comp. to Almanack 21 The custom..of children having a figure dressed in a grotesque manner, called a May-lady; before which they set a table, having on it wine, &c. They also beg money of passengers,..their plea to obtain it is, ‘Pray remember the poor May-lady’. |