mither

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To make an unnecessary fuss, moan, bother.
  2. To pester or irritate someone.
noun
  1. mother

Pronunciation

/ˈmaɪðə(ɹ)/ /ˈmɪðə(ɹ)/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-mither.wav

Word forms

mither mithers mithering mithered

Etymology

Late 17th century, of unknown origin; * Possibly related to Middle English bemothered (“confused, perplexed”), itself probably related to Old English mēþe (“exhausting, troublesome”), Old Norse móðr (“angry, frustrated”), Middle Dutch moeden (“to tire, exhaust, disturb, trouble”). * Possibly allied to Welsh moedro (“to worry or bother”), though according to the GPC, the latter is borrowed from English. * Alternatively, possibly tied to Welsh meidda (“to beg for whey”), from maidd (“whey”). * Perhaps from Welsh meiddio (“to dare or venture”), a variant of beiddio (“to dare”). The "dd" in Welsh corresponds in sound to the "th" in mither, and English also has moider and moither.

Related words

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