mo, moel (mo)

and adv. [= Sc. mae, mo, ma, more (in number), a reduced compar. form connected with the adj. māra, more: see morel.] More. The form mo is often used by Shakspere, Spenser, etc., and sometimes archaically by more recent writers; but the mo which is common in the vulgar speech of the southern United States is a negro pronunciation of more (properly written mo '). His Ave Maria he lerid hym alswa, And other prayers many ma . MS. Lincoln A. i. 17, f. 142. ( Hall i well .) There were wont to ben 5 Soudans: but now there is no mo but he of Egypt. Mandeville , Travels, p. 36. I sawe Calliope with Muses moe. Spenser, Shep. Cal., June. The children of Israel are mo and mightier than we. Ex. i. 9 (Oxf., 1717). ( Nares .) Mo. In chem., the symbol for molybdenum. mo. An abbreviation of month.