- M
- M M, n.
1. (Print.) A quadrat, the face or top of which is a perfect
square; also, the size of such a square in any given size
of type, used as the unit of measurement for that type:
500 m's of pica would be a piece of matter whose length
and breadth in pica m's multiplied together produce that
number. [Written also {em}.]
[1913 Webster]
2. (law) A brand or stigma, having the shape of an M, formerly impressed on one convicted of manslaughter and admitted to the benefit of clergy. [1913 Webster]
{M roof} (Arch.), a kind of roof formed by the junction of two common roofs with a valley between them, so that the section resembles the letter M. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.