matronhood

[Eng. matron; -hood.] The state or condition of a matron. mā-tron-ize, v. t. [Eng. matron; -ize.] *1. To render matron like. IMG:content-1002.png:[blocks in formation] †măt-ro-nm-Ic, s. [A hybrid word, formed from Lat.mater a mother, and Gr. onoma =a name.) A name derived from a mother or a maternal ancestor. "If it be a clear sign of exclusively female kinship that children should take the mother's family name, it is, a fort i or i, a note of it that they should be called by a matronymic."-J. F. McLennan: Studies in Ancient Hist., p. 289. *ma-tro ', 8. [Dut. matroos ; Dan. & Sw.matros ; Ger. matrose a sailor.] (See extract.) "Matro es, in the train of artillery, are a sort of soldiers next in degree under the gunners, who a ist IMG:content-1003.png:[blocks in formation] 3. The contents or e ence of a writing, discourse or speech; that which is said or written; the meaning, sense, or substance. "A book where men may read strange matters." Shakesp.: Macbeth, i. 5. 4. That which is treated of that of which one speaks, writes, or treats; the subject or materials of a writing, discourse, or speeeh. "If they were embarra ed, it was only by the abundance of the matter from which they had to make their selection." -Macaulay: Hist. Eng. 5. That which excites or arouses thought or emotion; as, This is a matter for gratitude or astonish ment. 6. Substance, sense; not empty talk, verbosity, or frivolity. "I beseech your grace, pardon me; I was born to speak all mirth and no matter." - Shakesp.: Much Ado About Nothing , ii. 1. 7. A point in question; an affair, a busine . "I will debate this matter at more leisure." Shakesp.: Comedy of Errors, iv. 1. 8. ( Pl .): Affairs, events, the course of events. "Matters succeeded so well with him, that everybody was in admiration to see how mighty rich he was grown." -L ' Estrange. 9. A cause or subject of complaint. "If the craftsmen have a matter against any man, the law is open: let them implead one another." -Acts xix. 38. 10. The cause, ground, or occasion of any event or state; as of a disturbance, an illne , a difficulty, a doubt, . "Why, what's the matter !"-Bunyan: Apology. ready for use, awaiting re-use, or ready for distribution. 4. Phys.: That which po e es the properties the existence of which is revealed to us by our senses; a substance. Its qualities are impenetrability, extension, divisibility, porosity, compre ibility, elasticity, mobility, and inertia (all which see). It exists in at least three forms-the solid, the liquid, and the gaseous. (1) Matter of record: That which is recorded, or which may be proved by record. (2) * Upon the matter, *Upon the whole matter: On or upon the whole; taking all things into consideration. "In their superiors it quencheth jealousy and layeth their competitors asleep; so that upon the matter, in a great wit deformity is an advantage to rising."- Bacon : E ays; Of Deformity.