▪ I. † mesnage, n. Obs.
[a. obs. F. mesnage, var. ménage (cf. manage n. and ménage).]
Careful or economical management.
| 1664 Jer. Taylor Dissuas. Popery ii. Introd., Some [reasons] rely upon the state of exterior affairs, and introduced œconomics, or accidental mesnage of things. |
▪ II. † mesnage, v. Obs.
[a. obs. F. mesnager, var. ménager (cf. manage v., etym. note).]
trans. a. To take advantage of, ‘husband’. b. To control, manage.
| 1654 Bramhall Just Vind. iv. (1661) 56 With what a depth of prudence the Roman court hath mesnaged all occasions..to the advantage..of that See. 1695 Ld. Preston Boeth. iv. 202 Whilst the World's Creator..ruling mesnageth the Reins of things. |