mean (2), meane, mene (2)

& s. [O. Fr. meien (Fr. moyen), from Lat. median us, from medius =middle; Sp. & Port. media no; Ital. mezzano.] A. As adjective: I. Ordinary Language: 1. Occupying a middle place or position; moderate, middle; not exce ive. 2. Intervening; as, in the mean time, in the mean pulverize. 2. To sprinkle with meal; to mix meal with. 3. To sprinkle, to taint. "Were he mealed With that which he corrects, then were he tyrannous." Shakesp.: Measure for Measure, iv. 2. mēaled, pa. par.ora. [MEAL, v.]