Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MA-, prefix. Also occas. me-. An intermediate syllable appearing freq. in Sc. compound words, usu. of obscure, imit., or ludicrous origin. It is apparently for rhythmic effect only. For occurrence see Clish-ma-claver, Gig-ma-leerie, hash-methram s.v. Hash, Heeliemalee, Hoghmagandy, Kickmaleerie, Killiemahou, Merry-matanzie, Skinnymalink, Whigmaleerie. Occas. used initially as in Maguffin, Mahugger, Magowk, as a variant of Be-.
