mall

The story

Probably from The Mall, a major street in London, England, which was originally a pall mall alley.

First known use, by meaning

• from 20th c. A pedestrianised street, especially a shopping precinct.
• from 20th c. An enclosed shopping centre.
• 17th–19th c. An alley where the game of pall mall was played.
• from 18th c. A public walk; a level shaded walk, a promenade.
• from 17th c. A heavy wooden mallet or hammer used in the game of pall mall.
• 17th c. The game of polo.
• 17th–19th c. An old game played with malls or mallets and balls; pall mall.