Page:A Glossary of Berkshire Words and Phrases.djvu/131

111 MUFFLED.—When an old bell-ringer dies it has been the custom for each of the others to tie a stocking round the clapper of his bell and so to ring a "muffled" peal.

MUFFLER.—A woollen cravat wound several times round the neck and worn in cold weather.

MUG.—As a schoolboy's expression to work hard, and one who does so is somewhat contemptuously termed "a mug" by others who prefer play to work. A cup of the same size round from top to bottom.

MUGGLE.—A muddle, confusion. "The children had nobody tolook ater um an' hev maayde zuch a muggle as you never zee."

MUGGY.—"Muggy weather," is damp, hot, close weather. "A thing is said lo taayste "Muggy," when it has a flavour the reverse of acid."

MUH.—Me. "I," is however much used in the objective case, and always so when there is stress on the pronoun.

MULL.—To make a failure of any attempt.

A profuse perspiration is described as a "mull."

MULL-YEAD.—A very stupid person who makes a mess of everything he tries to do.

MULLIGRUBS.—Out of sorts and temper; out of spirits; a slight indisposition.

MULLOCK.—Wet straw.

Dirt of all descriptions when heaped together.

MUM.—Silent as if from a desire to keep a secret, or to abstain from speaking freely on a matter.

MUMCHAUNCIN'.—Sitting without speaking as tho' offended. After one has acted in this way the question is asked, "What was he a mumchaunin' about I wonner?"

MUMMERS.—A company of village actors who go the round of the principal houses in the neighbourhood at Christmas time.

The words of the play are given elsewhere.

MUN.—Man. "What be at ther mun?"

Sometimes "you" is similarly used. "What be at ther "you?"