maumet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ArchaicArchaic / Literary / Historical
Quick answer
What does “maumet” mean?
An idol, a false god.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An idol, a false god; a puppet or a scarecrow.
A grotesque or ridiculous figure; an object of mindless devotion or veneration; a person lacking independent will or agency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally archaic and rare in both dialects. No contemporary dialectal differences exist.
Connotations
Historically carried strong negative and prejudicial connotations related to anti-Islamic sentiment. In later, more neutral literary use, it connotes false worship, emptiness, or lack of autonomy.
Frequency
Not used in modern English outside of historical texts, scholarly discussions of historical language, or deliberate archaism in poetry/literature.
Grammar
How to Use “maumet” in a Sentence
[Subject] worshipped the [maumet].They treated the leader as a [maumet].He was a [maumet] to his desires.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maumet” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The chronicler described the pagan tribe's sacred stone as a foul maumet.
American English
- The polemicist railed against the maumets of heretical sects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used only in historical linguistics, medieval studies, or analyses of religious prejudice.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maumet”
- Using it in modern contexts expecting it to be understood.
- Misspelling as 'mawmet', 'mammet', which are historical variants.
- Pronouncing the 'au' as in 'maul'; it's more like 'maw'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term found only in historical texts, scholarly works, or deliberate archaisms in literature.
It comes from Middle English, a corruption of 'Mahomet' (Muhammad), based on the medieval Christian misconception that Muslims worshipped Muhammad as an idol.
Yes, in later usage it could refer to a puppet, a scarecrow, or figuratively to a person who is a mere tool or lacks independent agency.
In a modern context, using it outside of a strict historical or linguistic discussion could be considered insensitive due to its origins in religious prejudice. It is not a neutral synonym for 'idol'.
An idol, a false god.
Maumet is usually archaic / literary / historical in register.
Maumet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːmɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːmɪt/ /ˈmɑːmɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To make a maumet of someone/something (to treat as an idol).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Maw' (mouth) and 'Pet' – a grotesque pet that can't think for itself, just a hollow idol.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVOTION/FOLLOWING IS IDOLATRY (e.g., 'He made a maumet of political power.'); LACK OF AGENCY IS BEING AN INANIMATE OBJECT (e.g., 'She was a mere maumet in their schemes.').
Practice
Quiz
In its extended figurative sense, 'maumet' can best be described as: