MAZARD Meaning and
Definition
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Mazard is a noun that refers to the face or expression. It is mainly used in the British dialect, particularly in southern England. The term is derived from the Old French word "masart" which means "jawbone" or "jaw". Although less commonly used in modern language, it can still be encountered in specific regional contexts.
In its primary usage, "mazard" characterizes the appearance of someone's face or features, especially when expressing a particular emotion or expression. It captures the momentary state or appearance of one's countenance, usually relating to sorrow, pain, or discontent. For instance, a person with a "sullen mazard" would have a gloomy or sulking facial expression.
The term can also be employed metaphorically to describe the appearance of places or objects, particularly when they exhibit a worn-out or dilapidated aspect. This usage conveys a sense of decrepitude or a lack of maintenance. For example, one might describe an old house as having a "crumbling mazard", indicating its deteriorated condition.
Due to its regional and somewhat archaic nature, "mazard" may not be widely recognized or used in everyday language. Nevertheless, it still holds relevance in certain areas and conjures a vivid image of one's facial expression or the state of an object's appearance, thus providing a colorful variation to the lexicon of facial-related vocabulary.
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• A variety of black cherry.
• A burlesque word for the head or skull-from its likeness to a bowl.
• To knock on the head; to brain one.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MAZARD
- mizard
- mazad
- mazzard
- kazard
- mszard
- mwzard
- mqzard
- maxard
- maaard
- mazsrd
- mazwrd
- mazqrd
- mazadd
- mazafd
- mazatd
- maza5d
- maza4d
- mazars
- mazarx
- mazarc
Etymology of MAZARD
The word "Mazard" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Old French word "masart" which referred to the face or snout of an animal, particularly a wild boar. This term eventually evolved into "mazard" in Middle English, with the same meaning.
Over time, "mazard" also began to be used to refer to the human face, especially in a derogatory or insulting manner. It can suggest a swollen or bruised face, similar to what one might associate with a fight or physical altercation. The term still carries this connotation of a bruised or unattractive face in some dialects.
Considering the original meaning of "masart" as a reference to the snout of a wild boar, it is possible that "mazard" came to be associated with the face due to a similarity in appearance.
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