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Origin and history of macle

macle(n.)

also mackle, "a spot, a blemish," 1706, from French macle "a spot," from Latin macula (see macula). Also as a verb (1590s). Related: Macled; mackled; mackling.

also from 1706

Entries linking to macle

macula(n.)

plural maculae, "a spot, blotch," especially on the skin or eye, c. 1400, from Latin macula "spot, stain," used of various spots (sunspots, markings on minerals, etc.), from Proto-Italic *smalto-, which is of uncertain origin. The macula lutea of the eye, the yellow spot of the retina opposite the pupil (the position of the most distinct vision), is from 1848.

macule(n.)

"blemish, spot," late 15c., from Latin macula "a spot, stain" (see macula), perhaps via French macule. Compare macle.

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