maud: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obsolete/RareLiterary/Historical/Regional (chiefly Scottish & Northern English)
Quick answer
What does “maud” mean?
A woollen cloth or plaid, especially a shepherd's plaid, often used as a wrap or cloak.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woollen cloth or plaid, especially a shepherd's plaid, often used as a wrap or cloak.
Historically, a rough grey, black, or striped woollen blanket or wrap, used in Scotland and northern England as an outdoor garment. By extension, can refer to any heavy shawl or cloak of a similar type.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is essentially unknown in general American English. Its use is confined to British English, specifically in historical or regional (Scottish/Northern English) contexts.
Connotations
In British usage, it evokes pastoral, rustic, or historical imagery. It carries connotations of simplicity, hardiness, and a bygone era.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary British English. Almost exclusively encountered in historical novels, poetry, or texts describing traditional Scottish dress.
Grammar
How to Use “maud” in a Sentence
wear a maudwrap oneself in a mauddraped a maud over his shouldersVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, textile, or cultural studies discussing 18th/19th century British rural dress.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
May appear in textile history or museum cataloguing to describe a specific type of checked woollen fabric or garment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maud”
- Using it as a general term for any scarf or shawl.
- Confusing it with the more common 'plaid' (which is a pattern, not necessarily a garment).
- Assuming it is a current, active word in modern English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete or historical word. You will almost never hear it in everyday conversation.
A 'maud' is a specific type of rough, woollen plaid used as a garment, particularly by shepherds. 'Plaid' can refer to the pattern, the cloth itself, or a more general draped garment.
No, 'maud' is exclusively a noun referring to the cloth or garment.
It is useful primarily for advanced learners interested in reading historical literature or understanding cultural references. For general communication, it is not necessary.
A woollen cloth or plaid, especially a shepherd's plaid, often used as a wrap or cloak.
Maud is usually literary/historical/regional (chiefly scottish & northern english) in register.
Maud: in British English it is pronounced /mɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɔd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The shepherd was **Maud** (a name) and wore a **maud** (a plaid) – both are old-fashioned.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A WRAPPING; RUSTIC SIMPLICITY IS AN OLD GARMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'maud'?