malkin Meaning, Definition & Usage

Mal"kin noun

Etymology

Dim. of Maud, the proper name. Cf. Grimalkin.

Definitions

1. Originally, a kitchenmaid; a slattern. Chaucer.
2. A mop made of clouts, used by the kitchen servant.
3. A scarecrow.Prov. Eng.
4. (Mil.) A mop or sponge attached to a jointed staff for swabbing out a cannon.