ˈmen-folk(s
[See man n.1]
1. The male sex; also dial. (see quot. 1886).
| 1802 R. Anderson Cumbld. Ball. 38 I've wonder'd sin I kent mysel, What keeps the men-fwok aw frae me. 1824 Scott. St. Ronan's xxxviii, ‘Mr. Tyrrel’, she said, ‘this is nae sight for men folk—ye maun rise and gang to another room’. 1886 Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk., Men folks, usually the male labourers on a farm. Males in general, as distinct from ‘women folks’. 1896 Black Briseis xx, Some of us Gordons about Dee-side—I mean the men-folk of us—are said to be rather quick in the temper. |
2. Human beings. rare.
| 1870 Morris Earthly Par., Golden Apples (1890) 328/2 Slipping through the seas Ye never think, ye men-folk, how ye seem From down below through the green waters' gleam. |