ˈmarch-man Obs. exc. Hist.
Also 5 marches-man.
[f. march n.3 + man n.]
1. An inhabitant of the marches or borders.
| a 1400–50 Alexander 2540 A watere..Þat with þa marches-men [Dublin MS. marche-men] Mocian was hatten. 1494 Fabyan Chron. vii. 634 They..gatheryd to them a stronge hoost of men, as of Marchemen and other. 1586 J. Ferne Blaz. Gentrie 136 In the old Teutch or Dutch speach he was called a Marquier, that is to saye the marche-man or frontier man. 1627 Drayton Agincourt, etc. 9 Of March-men mustring a rebellious Band, Henry againe his Southerne people prest. 1805 Scott Last Minstr. i. xxx, Now Bowden Moor the march-man won, And sternly shook his plumed head. 1889 Ruskin Præterita III. 172 The march-men..of Cheviot. |
2. = marksman 4 (see quot. 1813 there).